ExCEL Award graphic

St. Francis High School (SFHS) has announced Eleanor Dawson and Samuel Bergman as the school’s 2024-25 ExCEL Award recipients. Dawson and Bergman have been submitted to the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) as SFHS’s nominees for the award.

About the award: The MSHSL ExCEL Award – Excellence in Community, Education and Leadership – is a unique recognition program designed exclusively for Minnesota high school juniors who are active in school activities, leaders in their schools, and who demonstrate a strong commitment to community service.

Eleanor Dawson: On the gymnastics team 9th, 10th and 11th grade … Qualified for the 2022 state competition and was named all-state in balance beam … National Honor Society member … Honor Roll … Very active in the community with nearly 60 hours of community service last fall, which included 40 hours at Mercy Hospital Guest Services.

Samuel Bergman: A captain on the football team was named all-district honorable mention … Earned all-district academic team honors … National Honor Society member … Math Peer tutor … Yearbook staff … “A” Honor Roll and owns a 4.1 GPA … Fellowship of Christian Athletes Speaker … Allied Physical Education Class … Participated in 14 hours of community service this fall.

Nomination Criteria:

  • Be a junior in high school

  • Make satisfactory progress toward graduation

  • Participate in an MSHSL fine arts and/or athletic activity

  • Hold a leadership position(s) in their school

  • Volunteer in their community

  • Meet MSHSL General Eligibility Requirements (Bylaw 206)

Congratulations Eleanor and Samuel!