Daum, Sunnarborg Receive WHS Triple 'A' Awards

Ava Daum and Luke Sunnarborg are WHS Triple 'A' Award winners.

Westonka High School has chosen seniors Ava Daum and Luke Sunnarborg to represent the school at the regional Triple “A” Awards banquet. A recognition ceremony for the state-wide winners will be held in March. Sponsored by the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL), the Triple “A” Award—Academics, Arts and Athletics—is a unique recognition program designed exclusively for Minnesota high school seniors who have excelled in the classroom, on the athletic field and in the fine arts.

Activities Director Jeff Peterson said both students are excellent representatives for this award. “Luke exemplifies what it means to be a Westonka student leader as his commitment to academic excellence, athletic achievement, and arts reflects the spirit of the Triple A Award,” he said. “Ava’s dedication to balancing rigorous academics, competitive athletics, and meaningful contributions to the arts is extraordinary.”

An excellent musician, Ava Daum has been a section leader and role model in the band throughout high school on the flute, her primary instrument. She is a two-time member of the All-State Band and received All Conference honors, multiple Superior ratings and a Best of Site award. She is a four-year member of the Band Council leadership team.  She taught herself how to play the alto saxophone and joined the Jazz Band, becoming a leader in that group as well.

Daum maintains a 3.95 GPA with a rigorous course load, including a combination of AP classes and Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO). She was recognized with an AP Scholar Award.

A three-sport athlete, Daum participates in cross-country, Nordic skiing, and track and field, serving as captain in each of her sports. She also participates in mountain biking. She received All Conference honors in Nordic skiing, along with Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Skier awards.

“Balancing time dedicated to academics, arts, and athletics has been challenging, but rewarding,” said Daum. “I believe that I wouldn’t be successful in one category without the others.” Daum says the lessons she’s learned – meticulousness, diligence, determination, and consistency – can be applied to her life outside of academics, arts, and athletics, as well.

Band teacher Gretchen Chilson wrote a letter of recommendation for Daum. “Ava is a conscientious classmate who leads through role modeling; consistently and dependably doing her best work,” she wrote. “I feel particularly qualified to write about Ava’s character, as I have been able to witness her interactions with her peers, and with other adults, in many settings over the years. She is a dedicated friend, a positive influence on others, and an excellent communicator.”

Daum plans to continue her education at St. Olaf College, where she will pursue a degree in biology with an engineering concentration. She also plans to participate in band and Nordic skiing. Ava is the daughter of David Daum and Tracie Daum of Minnetrista.

Luke Sunnarborg is a three-sport athlete, competing on the cross-country, hockey, and golf teams. He is captain of the golf team, where he earned multiple All Conference honors and was a three-time state tournament participant. He also captains the cross-country team and earned All-Conference Honorable Mention. He was named to the Academic All-Conference team in hockey.

Sunnarborg consistently challenges himself academically, maintaining a 3.99 GPA while taking the most rigorous classes offered. He feels that taking challenging classes not only helps him become a better learner but teaches him skills he can use beyond the classroom. He is a member of DECA, successfully qualifying for international competitions two years in a row. Respected by his peers, Sunnarborg is a four-year elected member of Student Senate.

Sunnarborg volunteers his time at the Westonka Performing Arts Center to help others experience the joy and tranquility of the arts. He also took art classes, which he found very rewarding.

Sunnarborg said some of his most important lessons in life have come from sports. “Athletics have taught me so much, including the importance of hard work, leadership, time management, grit, and being a great teammate,” he said. “I have experienced good examples of these as well as bad, and that contrast has taught me the importance of each one.”

In a letter of recommendation, math teacher and golf coach Andy Atkinson said, “Luke is an exceptional student-athlete who uses intrinsic motivation to complete all necessary tasks and truly lead by example. He has a great work ethic in which he is committed to getting the job done and doing it well.”

Sunnarborg plans to study business at Luther College next year. He also plans to continue golfing. Luke is the son of Mike and Alicia Sunnarborg of Minnetrista.

About the Triple 'A' Award

Triple “A” Award recipients are selected through a multi-level process that involves member schools of the MSHSL, the League’s administrative regions, and a special committee of educators, business leaders and members of the fine arts and athletics communities. Every member school of the League is invited to nominate one girl and one boy for the Triple “A” Award. Nominees must be seniors in high school, have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, participate in MSHSL fine arts and/or athletic activities, and comply with the MSHSL Student Code of Conduct.