Albert Lea’s Cara Thorn was among 27 high school juniors from communities throughout the state that were selected as the 2006 ExCEL Award winners.

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 athletic activities, who show leadership qualities and who are model citizens are eligible for the award. More than 200 students were nominated this year.

&8220;These students come from an array of backgrounds across the state,&8221; says MSHSL associate director, Lisa Lissimore. &8220;Aside from school work and after-school activities, these students volunteer their time coaching youth sports, teaching Sunday school, tutoring other students and helping those less fortunate than themselves.&8221;

KSTC-TV, Channel 45, the MSHSL’s broadcast partner, will recognize the 2006 ExCEL award recipients during the broadcast of the girls’ state basketball tournament March 16-18. Each student will also participate in an on-court award ceremony during the halftime of the Class AA championship game Saturday, March 18.

The ExCEL program began in 1996. Award recipients are selected through a multi-level process that involves League member schools and an independent panel of judges from schools throughout Minnesota. More than 2,500 students have been recognized through this award program.