Pair of WHS Students Advance in Statewide Competitions

Two Westonka High School students have received state recognition through the Minneapolis State High School League for their work in the classroom, participation in athletics and fine arts, leadership skills, and connection to their communities. Senior Ava Daum will represent Region 2AA in the statewide Triple “A” competition. Junior Levi Hays has been named one of 34 ExCEL Award winners statewide.

Ava Daum is one of 32 finalists for the Triple “A” Award which stands for Academics, Arts and Athletics. It 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.

“Ava Daum’s advancement to the state level in Triple A reflects her hard work, discipline, and passion across arts, academics, and athletics,” said activities director Jeff Peterson. “This recognition is well deserved, and we are excited to see her represent at the state level.”

An excellent musician, Daum has been a section leader and role model in the band throughout high school. She is a two-time member of the All-State Band. 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. 

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.

“I am so grateful that I have been able to participate in such a variety of extracurricular activities over my time at Westonka High School, and would like to thank all of my teachers, coaches, teammates, administrators, friends, mentors, and my parents and grandparents for supporting me in whatever I do,” said Daum. “My involvement in academics, music, and sports brings me so much joy, and it has taught me that with enough ambition and hard work I can achieve whatever goal I set for myself in life.”

Daum and the other finalists will be invited to a banquet in March, where the four statewide winners will be announced. All finalists will participate in an on-court ceremony during the Class AAA championship game of the boys state basketball tournament.

Daum joins Julia Harrison (Class of 2011) as the only other Westonka student to achieve finalist status in the competition. Harrison went on to earn the state award as well.

Ava is the daughter of David Daum and Tracie Daum of Minnetrista.

Read more about Triple ‘A’ Award winner Ava Daum

Levi Hays was one of 34  ExCEL Award recipients, chosen from a field of 348 applicants statewide. ExCEL—Excellence in Community, Education and Leadership—is a unique recognition program designed exclusively for Minnesota high school juniors who are active in school activities, show leadership qualities and demonstrate a strong commitment to community service.

“Levi Hays’ advancement to the state level of the ExCEL Award reflects his outstanding leadership, active involvement in athletics and the arts, and his unwavering commitment to volunteerism,” said Peterson. “He truly represents excellence in every arena.”

Hays is an exceptional student, leader, and athlete. He is a three-sport athlete, participating on cross country, wrestling, and track and field teams. Within the school community, Hays serves as a Link Crew Leader, a Fellowship of Christian Athletes Student Leader, a member of National Honor Society, and an active member of the Band Council. 

Outside the classroom, Hays has volunteered extensively with his church, served Thanksgiving meals at the Mound American Legion, stocked shelves at the Westonka Food Shelf, volunteered at the Lake Rebecca Triathlon and the Luminary Loppet, and planted vegetables in the Westonka Community Garden.

"I am honored to receive the ExCEL award and feel privileged to represent the quality of Westonka High School,” said Hays. I am thankful for the opportunities that I have been given through our school, sports, and my church that have shaped me into the person I am."

Hays and the other statewide ExCEL Award winners will participate in an on-court recognition ceremony on March 14 at Williams Arena during halftime of the Class AAA girls’ basketball championship game.

Levi is the son of Dan and Jenny Hays of Minnetrista.

Read more about ExCEL Award winner Levi Hays