Sponsored by the Minneapolis Athena Awards Committee, the Athena Award is a unique recognition program designed exclusively for female high school seniors. The Athena Awards program honors the athletic achievements of 54 high school seniors from Minneapolis and suburban area public and private high schools. Selection of the outstanding female athlete from each school is based on excellence in individual sports or for participation and accomplishments in team sports. Students who excel in athletic activities, who show leadership qualities, and who are model citizens are eligible for the award.

On May 5th, all 54 Athena Award winners will be announced and recognized by the Minneapolis Athena Awards Committee at a luncheon at the Earle Brown Heritage Center in Brooklyn Center, MN. Claire Canfield is truly part of an amazing group of award winners! 

Claire Canfield, daughter of Kerry and Jeff Canfield, is a humble student athlete who has been an exceptional role model within Waconia High School’s Girls’ Swim and Dive program and school community. Claire’s dedicated efforts in athletics have earned her six varsity letters in Swimming and a varsity letter in Lacrosse. In the swimming pool, Claire’s prowess shined! Claire constantly led by example as she served as a team captain for the past three years, was named All Conference Honorable Mention, All Conference three times and earned an impressive five trips to the MSHSL State Swimming Championships! In addition to being a natural leader, Claire was a team MVP and earned the prestigious Girls’ Swimming Wildcat Award and Iron Cat Award three times for her work ethic, as well as her commitment to, and enthusiasm for, the team. Claire has twice earned All-State honors and qualified as an individual entrant into the State meet three times. During her senior season, Claire qualified for state as the Section 3A Champion in the 100 Backstroke, a feat that had not been accomplished in our program for more than 10 years! Claire’s efforts throughout her career helped secure her place in the WHS Swim history books having held five school and pool records, including her most recent school record of 2:12.50 in the 200 Individual Medley. Described by the WHS Head Girls’ Swim Coach, Ashley Westphal as, “the ultimate competitor, Claire embodies the complete meaning of what it takes, and what it means, to be a Wildcat”. Academically, Claire has earned a MSHSL Spotlight on Scholarship award in each of her activity seasons, maintains an impressive 3.85 GPA and has been named an AP Scholar with Distinction. Claire has also been active in school and community activities participating in a variety of National Honor Society offerings and volunteers at Feed My Starving Children. Next fall, Claire will take her impressive resume to the College of St. Benedict where she will be on the swim team and plans on majoring in Chemistry.

Congratulations Claire, Well Done Wildcat!

Established in 1988, the Academics, Arts and Athletics Award (Triple “A”) is a unique recognition program sponsored by the Minnesota State High School League. The award goes to high school seniors who have a “B” 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. Seniors who are deserving representatives of this award, model on a daily basis what the Triple “A” Award is all about – Excellence in the Classroom, Excellence in Athletics and Excellence in the Arts.

Berit Fitzsimonds, daughter of Geneva and Scott Fitzsimonds is a truly a transformational student leader in our WHS school community. Her humble and kind approach is a welcome addition to every program, classroom and community endeavor in which she partakes.

Berit has a vast array of accomplishments and accolades. Athletically, she has been heavily involved in softball and volleyball both as a player and referee/umpire. As a player, she has earned a volleyball letter and is a three-time letter winner in softball. She has also received the Spotlight on Scholarship Award in each of her participation opportunities. Academically, Berit’s strong work ethic is very apparent. She has achieved the A Honor Roll throughout her high school career and was named a WHS 2022 ExCEL Award winner. Berit challenges herself by taking Advanced Placement classes, PSEO courses and her determination has helped her maintain a solid 4.0 GPA all while participating in fine arts, sports, the National Honor Society and the WHS Student Council. Berit shared that, while gaining wonderful volunteer experiences, which included serving as Student Council President, “I have learned how to put others needs before mine to better a community and how to effectively lead a group of people to success.”

As a well-rounded young adult, Berit shares her time and talents regularly with her community. Impressively, she has recorded more than 500 volunteer community service hours with her church, local senior centers, and area youth. She has mentored and coached youth in athletics, church events, and summer activities. A favorite volunteer activity is playing music for senior citizens in assisted living or memory facilities. She intentionally learns and plays music that residents are familiar with from childhood. She enjoys watching her listeners come alive as her music serves as a key to past memories for them. Berit truly personifies excellence in community, education, and leadership. As noted by a former teacher, “Berit is one of the strongest musicians I have ever had the pleasure of working with, but it is her kindness and strong work ethic that truly makes her such a strong leader.” 

As the first freshman to be selected into the WHS Wind Ensemble, her musical abilities have profoundly impacted Waconia High School and the community at large. She regularly displays her leadership skills through participation in almost every extracurricular ensemble in high school (Pep Band, Jazz Band, Choir, and Pit Orchestra). Berit’s talents and steadfast dedication have earned her positions such as section leader, 1st chair, and being selected as a soloist within the Minnesota Music Educators Association All-State Band, Minnesota Band Directors Association All-State Honor Band, Minnesota Junior Winds Symphonic Wind Ensemble, the Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphony (where she also was named the principal oboe player) and Honor Bands at various universities including the University of Minnesota. In 2022 Berit’s talents shined as she participated in the National Association for Music Education’s All National Concert Band! Waconia Band Director, Nick Hansberry shared this, “Berit may be a “once in career” type of student. Her musicianship and discipline to her craft is without a doubt in the top 1% of students that I have worked with…. Berit’s influence and energy is felt throughout the whole building…” Congratulations Berit on being selected as the Waconia High School Triple “A” Award recipient!

Sponsored by the 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; making satisfactory progress toward graduation requirements; participate in a League-sponsored fine arts and/or an athletic activity; hold a leadership position in their school; work voluntarily in their community; and meet MSHSL General Eligibility Requirements.

Amelia Herold, daughter of Carli and Matt Herold has been active in Cross Country, Track & Field and as a Unified Partner in Special Olympics Basketball and Track & Field. As a three-year participant in Cross Country she has received three Varsity letters, three All Conference Honors and qualified for the State Championships as part of the Section 2AA Championship Team her freshman year. Amelia has also earned two Varsity letters in Track & Field and has been a Spotlight on Scholarship award winner for the past three years in each sport she has been a participant. 

In addition, Amelia has earned numerous honors as part of several WHS fine arts programs. She is a two time letter winner in Marching Band along with being named Co-Section Leader and the Wind Captain.  Amelia shines in Concert Band, Pep Band and as First Chair Saxophone in Jazz Band. Just this winter, Amelia was also named Wind Captain in Show Choir Band. WHS Band Director, Nick Hansberry shared, “Through her servant leadership approach, dedication to the highest quality product, and the ability to relate to others, she has elevated each of these ensembles to a higher level of achievement.”

Throughout Amelia’s high school career she has maintained an impressive GPA and is in the top 25 students in her class, all while participating in a variety of school activities. Those activities include: National Honor Society, Conservation Club and Fellowship of Christian Athletes where she is a Leadership Team Member. Amelia is a “Shining Star” when it comes to building community through volunteerism and community service, logging more than 225 volunteer hours over the last three years.  The volunteer activities she has been involved with include: Adopt a Highway, local clean-ups at Lake Waconia, Coney Island, the Carver County Fair and Nickle Dickle Days. Amelia also assists in the week long camp for middle school students interested in marching band, teaching music and marching technique. Volunteering at the local pet store, the More than Pink 5k Event and the Ridgeview Hospital golfing event keeps Amelia constantly “on the move”! Amelia has shared this about the time she has spent cleaning up Lake Waconia Coney Island: “…we do our best to leave the island better than we found it… Our community takes pride in preserving as much of our history as possible, and by helping maintain the island (which is now accessible to anyone), I …am benefitting my town and community by helping preserve and upraise our history.” Well Done & Congratulations Amelia on your WHS and STATE Award!

Carben Dock, son of Jayson and Cristine, has represented our school and community well by his participation in Wildcat athletics, fine arts and his commitment to volunteering with a variety of local organizations. Carben’s favorite leadership quote, shared by former President John Quincy Adams, is one he really takes to heart: “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, become more, you are a leader.”

Carben’s volunteerism directly reflects his “lead by example” style. Carben has spent countless hours serving others at Feed My Starving Children, the Minneapolis Women’s Homeless Shelter, several retirement home and assisted living facilities and as a summer school volunteer. In addition, Carben volunteers to help with yard maintenance, cleaning up the fairgrounds and fundraising for organizations such as the Special Olympics and the Waconia Hockey Association. Carben reflected about his time volunteering stating that, “My time at the homeless shelter made it evident to me how much “small” things, like one meal, can greatly impact people’s lives. This is something that I had taken for granted. I’m grateful for the opportunity to help others, and continue to make this a priority in my life.”

Carben also leads by example as part of a variety of school activities, taking part in Cross Country running where he earned a Varsity letter as a freshman and also in Tennis where his team voted him, “Best Teammate”. Carben participates in band, pep band, the Newspaper Club, the Simpson House Club, was a Junior Homecoming Representative and has been a 3 time varsity academic letter winner while being named to the “A” Honor Roll in each of his high school years while maintaining an impressive 3.98 GPA! Congratulations Carben!

GOING to the GAME??  Here's what you need to know!

ONLINE TICKETS are required for the entrance into a Wildcat Home Event --  NO CASH accepted. 

PLEASE purchase your tickets in advance! Game tickets are on sale NOW at https://gofan.co/app/school/MN19678 

** Cash will not be accepted at the admission gate. Buy tickets in advance or at the gate using your cell phone & credit card!

2022-2023 Admission Fees (Regular Season):

Adult Single Game ticket = $8 (includes all fees)

Student (Ages 5-18) Single Game ticket = $6 (includes all fees)

** Waconia High School Students attend HOME regular season  competitions for FREE! We are excited to announce that our WHS students (with proof of ID) will again have access to all of our home regular season contests at no charge! Please share with our WHS students that upon arrival at an event, they need to be logged into their portal on their cell phone, click "infinite campus" and show their WHS "student Information" to the gate worker. We are thrilled to provide this benefit to our outstanding 9th thru 12th grade students!

* District 110 Resident Senior Citizen = free (complimentary pass required - pick up at WHS Main office during office hours)

*Adult Regular Season School Year pass = $75.50 (includes all fees) *Pass excludes postseason competitions, invitationals & fundraising events.

*Student Regular Season School Year pass = $54.50 (includes all fees) *Pass excludes postseason competitions, invitationals & fundraising events.

* Students K-8th Grade must have a student ticket or student school year pass to enter into the home event. We strongly encourage K-8th grade students to be accompanied by an adult (preferred adult to student ratio of 1:2). Note: A cell phone is required to redeem online tickets at the gate. 

* Concessions will be available. Please Note: Concessions purchases will be cash only. 

* No pets, skateboards, rollerblades or noise makers are allowed in WHS facilities prior to, during or after an event. 

* Spectators must use the bleachers. Spectators, media, etc. are NOT allowed onto the playing surface as we must ensure NO CONTACT with athletes/coaches prior to and during competition

THANK YOU and please know that we appreciate your cooperation as we work to provide our student athletes a safe environment to play and the best possible opportunity to stay healthy and continue our season!