Talented Seniors Earn Triple ‘A” Nod

By Lorrie Ham

Seniors Margot Anderson and Parker Wharram represented at the regional Triple “A” Award banquet last weekend.

Sponsored by the Minnesota State High School League, 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.

Margot Anderson maintains a 3.95 GPA while taking several Advanced Placement (AP) level courses. She is a four-year member of the Symphonic Band, where she has earned excellent and superior ratings in solo and ensemble contests. She is also a two-year member of the choir and earned a superior rating at last year’s solo and ensemble contest.

Margot is a four-year member of the dance team, was All Conference two years and captain her senior year. She helped the dance team to state tournament appearances all four years. Margot was a two-year member of the cross country team and participated in track one year. She also served as manager of the varsity baseball team.

In addition, Margot is a member of NHS, jazz band, Link Crew and Pop Singers.

“While some might look at these as great accomplishments, I look at these as merely stepping stones in my life that will allow me to continue on a path of perseverance and determination to achieve of what yet I cannot imagine,” said Margot. “High school has provided me with great experiences, but these are only the beginning.”

Margot plans to attend the University of St. Thomas to major in music business or communications. She is the daughter of Heidi Knight of Mound.

Parker Wharram takes a rigorous course load that includes advanced, honors and AP classes while maintaining a 3.743 GPA. He is a two-year member of the choir and participated in band one year. He is also a skilled piano player.

Parker is a four-year member of the cross-country team, a four-time All Conference honoree, a two-time state tournament participant and an All State honoree. He also served as captain his senior year.

A five-year member of the track team, Parker is a three-time All Conference honoree, a two-time captain, an All State honoree and a state tournament participant. He also played basketball two years.

In addition, Parker is a member of NHS and Pop Singers.

“Running is a metaphor for life itself,” said Parker. “The more I work out and the harder I push myself, it translates directly into more accolades and faster times. This goes for every other aspect in my life as well.”

Parker has signed a letter of intent to run cross country and track for the University of North Dakota at Grand Forks, a Division I school, where he will study aviation. Parker is the son of Linda and Dominic Wharram of Independence.

Triple “A” Award recipients are selected through a multi-level process that involves member schools of the League, the League’s administrative regions, and a special committee of educations, 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 a senior 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.