Triple "A "Award nominees

Posted on: Mar 11, 2024

Seniors Ben Kelly and Erica Kazin were this year’s Delano Public Schools 2023-24 Triple A (Academics, Arts, and Athletics) Award nominees.  Although they did not win the MSHL Triple A award, Delano is proud to call Ben and Erica Tigers. 

Established in 1988, the Minnesota State High School League’s Triple A Award is an award honoring students who are involved in multiple aspects of the school community. The award goes to high school seniors who have a “B” or better grade point average (GPA) and participate in League-sponsored athletic and fine arts activities. Triple "A" Award recipients are selected by a multi-level process involving the League's member schools and administrative regions.

Ben Kelly 

Ben Kelly's achievements and contributions extend across academics, athletics and fine arts.

The son of Dave and Kirsten Kelly of Delano MN, Ben’s journey through academics, athletics, and the fine arts has shaped him into a well-rounded individual, embodying leadership, hard work and community service. 
 

Ben's commitment to excellence is exemplified by his induction into the National Honor Society during his sophomore year and his commitment to taking Advanced Placement and College In School classes. Throughout high school, Ben has maintained an impressive 4.10-grade point average and superior academic standing while remaining dedicated to music and track and field. Ben lettered in academics for all three years of high school, a testament to his consistent academic prowess. His above-average ACT score of 26 underscores his capabilities and commitment to academic success.
 

Ben's musical talents have been a defining feature in his life. Beginning with piano lessons in first grade, Ben's passion for music evolved to playing the trombone in the Delano Community Band, continued piano lessons, participating in regional jazz and concert honor bands and taking Jazz I, and Jazz II throughout high school.  Ben's belief in sharing his musical gifts and spreading joy through his talents has led to his performing at his church and nursing homes,  Ben recently received a music scholarship at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, MN. 
 

Ben's athletic journey is equally commendable to his arts and academics voyage. Ben effortlessly moved from club soccer through his sophomore year to being nominated and selected as a team captain for Track and Field his senior year. Ben, who grew up running with his dad, competes in sprint running and the long jump for the Delano Track and Field Team. His participation in sports has not only been a source of fun and competition but has also equipped him with essential life skills that he plans to impart as a team captain in the upcoming track season.
 

Ben’s Track and Field Coach, Mitch Rue witnessed Ben’s growth both on and off the track, and describes him as a wonderful student/athlete from a wonderful family. “Ben's leadership, service, and character have consistently shone through, earning him the honor of being selected as one of the captains for the 2024 track season, “ said Rue. “His work ethic and ability to connect with and support his teammates have set him apart as a role model for younger athletes.”
 

Ben is still determining where he will go to college (Gustavus Adolphus is the front-runner) or what he will major in. Still, he is confident his college career will include participating in intramural sports, ie something to do with running and playing the trombone. 

Erica Kazin 

The daughter of Jennifer and Jeff Kazin of Maple Plain, MN, Erica’s accomplishments span the realms of academics, athletics, and the fine arts.
 

Academically, Erica has consistently demonstrated excellence with a GPA of 4.23, showcasing her commitment to intellectual growth and pursuit of knowledge. Her dedication to academic success is evident in her choice to challenge herself with College In School and Advanced Placement classes, where she not only excelled but also developed essential study skills that will undoubtedly serve her well in her post-secondary education. Beside being in the National Honor Society, Erica was also named a Commended Student in the 2024 National Merit Scholarship Program. Commended Students placed among the top 50,000 students nationwide who entered the 2024 competition by taking the 2022 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®.
 

In the fine arts, Erica's passion extends to 4H, and music. Most recently, Erica showcased a sculpture made entirely of recycled plastic at both the Wright County and Minnesota State Fairs. Her creative endeavors reflect not only her artistic talents but also a commitment to sustainability and environmental consciousness. Erica’s talents have also led her to participate in the high school band where she plays the Bassoon, an instrument that she admits she learned herself, “not a lot of people are skilled in Bassoon so I often perfected playing it on my own.” 
 

Erica’s athletic career spans from participating in dance and swimming when she was in elementary school to Nordic Skiing, Track and Field and Cross Country in high school. This year in cross Country Erica ran past her goals and reached new heights as she helped bring the team to the state competition.  Named to the Midwest Junior National Team for Nordic skiing, Erica competed at Junior Nationals in Fairbanks, Alaska. Her thirst for challenges led her to a passion of Nordic Skiing. Erica was instrumental in advocating for a Nordic Ski team co-op with Orono School District. Her support for a co-op between Orono and Delano schools for MSHSL Nordic skiing demonstrated her ability to navigate challenges and effectively communicate as a captain of the co-op.
 

Erica plans to attend Michigan Technological University to study chemistry and to compete as an NCAA Nordic Ski and Cross Country athlete.