Mound Westonka Student Chosen as Academic All-Star

By Lorrie Ham

Mound Westonka High School senior Benny Haug was hard at work on his science experiment last Friday morning when Colin Shepp’s AP biology class was interrupted.

In true ambush style, KARE-11 television anchor Tim McNiff and his cameraman surprised Benny with the announcement that he had been named the news station’s first Academic All-Star of 2011-12 school year.

McNiff first asked Benny if there was any truth to the rumor that the math team captain had “fudged” some of his answers on last year’s final. Surprised doesn’t begin to describe the look on Benny’s face when he was next asked if it was true that he had caused an international incident on his trip to China.

McNiff quickly explained his reason for being there, and presented a giant check for $111, a financial reward which goes along with the Academic All-Star honor.

Watch the full KARE-11 segment.

Asked what the award meant to him, Benny responded that it was actually an honor for the entire Mound Westonka School District.

“It means that my hard work has paid off,” he said. “I’ll try even harder and work to do my best.”

Benny carries a 3.9 GPA. In addition to being the math team captain, he is a Link Crew Leader, Science Olympiad, football team statistician, member of the speech time and a 2010 participant on the Westonka Summer Institute China trip—where he studied international economics and worked with Best Buy in the U.S. and China as part of the experience.  

He also speaks fluent Chinese.

“Benny is deserving of this award, because he is a talented student and a hard worker,  said Guidance Counselor Ann Baumann. "Benny likes to learn and enjoys solving problems. Benny is also a great Westonka citizen. He has amazing school spirit and is a great community leader. I think teachers really enjoy having him in class because he's not afraid to use his talents and ask questions when he wants to learn more."

While the entire class was excited about the surprise announcement, Benny’s twin brother, Josh, who was also in class, was visibly proud of his brother’s success.

Benny and Josh’s parents are John and Kim Haug.

While the cameraman followed his every move around class, Benny went back to work—more concerned with getting his assignment done and getting to his next class on time.

“This was a great honor for a very deserving student,” said Mound Westonka High School Principal Keith Randklev, who worked with KARE-11 on the surprise arrangements.

And as for that math test rumor?

"Any truth to that?” asked McNiff.

“No,” laughed Benny. “I do my own work.”

The event ended with the whole class, along with Randklev, Baumann and Shepp, doing a “shout out” for KARE-11 Sunrise.

“Good morning KARE-11 Sunrise," the class said in unison. "It’s a great day to be a White Hawk!”