Congratulations to Waconia High School seniors Carben Dock and Amelia Herold, who have been named the school’s 2024 AAA Award recipients.
Established in 1988, the Academics, Arts and Athletics Award (Triple “A”) is a unique recognition program sponsored by the MSHSL. The award goes to high school seniors who have at least a 3.0 or better grade point average and who are active in fine arts and athletic activities. The purpose of this program is to recognize and honor high school seniors who have excelled in the classroom, on the athletic field, and in fine arts, as well as to elevate academic standards and create greater awareness of the value of high school activities.
Dock plays the trombone in the WHS Band, is a member of the Wildcat cross country and tennis teams, and takes a number of advanced placement courses while maintaining a 3.99 grade point average. Dock is planning to attend the United States Air Force Academy to study mechanical engineering next year.
“Carben was enrolled in my AP World History course and during that time I got to know him as a student and an individual. It became clear to me early that Carben was an exceptional student with strong academic abilities, but great character as well,” said WHS Teacher Joey Kretchman-Grande. “No matter who was in his class, what the subject of the lesson was, or how we were going about learning it, Carben’s peers looked to him for guidance, collaboration, and support.”
Herold has participated in the school’s pep band, jazz band, marching band, and show band since ninth grade. Athletically, she participates on the Wildcat cross country and track and field teams. In the classroom she takes a number of advanced placement and concurrent enrollment classes while maintaining a 3.9 grade point average. Herold plans to study international business next year.
“There are few students that I have worked with in my career that serve as better role models than Amelia,” WHS teacher and band director Nick Hansberry said. “She is conscientious in her approach to her peers when providing feedback through her various leadership positions in the concert, marching, and jazz bands. She works to create lasting positive change in whatever activity or organization she is involved in. I cannot think of a student that is more humble, kind, and deserving of this award.”