St. Francis High School (SFHS) has announced Abbigale Paulson and Nathaniel Esboldt as the school’s 2024-25 Triple ‘A’ - Academics, Arts, and Athletics Award recipients. Paulson and Esboldt have been submitted to the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) as SFHS’s nominees for the award.
About the Award: The MSHSL Academics, Arts, and Athletics Award, commonly known as the Triple 'A' Award, honors high school seniors throughout the state who have a 3.0 or higher-grade point average and who participate in League-sponsored athletic and fine arts activities.
Abbigale Paulson: Owns a 4.16 GPA and is at the top of her class … Named Academic All-State and academic all-conference three times … Has participated in band all four years of high school, which includes Honors Wind Ensemble and Pep Band … A member of the varsity girls track and field team since ninth grade … Qualified for the state meet as a sophomore … Earned all-conference honors as a sophomore and junior … A member of the girls soccer program all four years of high school … Played on varsity as a senior to help the Saints to their second state appearance in program history, and conference and section titles … Has participated in weightlifting sophomore, junior and senior years with all-conference honors coming as a sophomore and junior … Serves the community as the children’s youth and family ministry assistant at her church … Undecided on a college or a major, but intends to compete in track and field.
Nathaniel Esboldt: Owns a 4.03 GPA … Has participated in band since ninth grade and is also a member of the jazz band … Was a band section leader for three years … Participated in the One Act Play as a junior and senior, and was named Mississippi 8 All-Conference Honorable Mention as a junior … Participated in Visual Arts since 10th grade … A member of the baseball program since sophomore year … Plans to attend Gustavus Adolphus College and double major in economics and political science with a minor in history … Intends to participate in band, jazz band and baseball at Gustavus.
Selection Process: Each school can submit two finalists for their administrative region. SFHS represents Region 7AA. Triple ‘A’ Award recipients are selected through a multi-level process involving member schools of the League, the League’s administrative regions, and a special committee of educators, business leaders, and members from the fine arts and athletic communities.
Triple ‘A’ Recognition: Two award finalists from each region (one male and one female) will be invited to a recognition banquet in March and League officials will announce the four statewide Triple ‘A’ Award winners at that time.
Nomination Criteria:
Be a high school senior at the time of nomination. Schools may nominate one senior male and one senior female for this award.
Have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher at the time of nomination.
Participate in at least one League-sponsored athletic program and one arts/activity program.
Comply with the MSHSL's Student Code of Responsibilities.