(From left) Delton Steele, US Bank Region President; Kaitlin Lindsey, Midway HS (Inkster); Jake Germundson, Williston HS; Matthew Martin, Ellendale HS (DS Runner-Up); Ashley Barnhart, Kenmare HS (2011-2012 Distinguished Student); Brooke Wolf, Bismarck St. Mary's HS; Ashlyn Nelson, Lakota HS; and Nikki Grebel, US Bank Branch Manager

NDHSAA/US Bank Distinguished Student Announced
Ashley Barnhart, a Junior at Kenmare High School, was named the 2011-2012 North Dakota High School Activities Association/US Bank Distinguished Student at interviews held for the six finalists in Valley City May 6th.

Matthew Martin of Ellendale High School was chosen first runner-up. The other finalists are Jake Germundson of Williston High School, Ashlyn Nelson of Lakota High School, Brooke Wolf of Bismarck St. Mary's High School and Kaitlin Lindsey, Midway High School (Inkster). The six finalists were selected from the original seventy-eight applications sent in by high school principals around the state.

US Bank is the supporting partner in this program and funds $5000 worth of scholarships provided  the six finalists.  Ashley Barnhart received a $2000 scholarship for being named the NDHSAA/US Bank Distinguished Student and the first runner-up, Matthew Martin, received a $1000 scholarship.  The other four finalists each received a $500 scholarship. 

The goal for the Distinguished Student Award program is to recognize deserving high school juniors who are the "backbone" of interscholastic activities. Each nominee may not be the "super star" in any specific activity, but they have demonstrated their leadership.

2011-12 NDHSAA/US Bank Distinguished Students

2010-11 NDHSAA/US Bank Distinguished Students

2009-10 NDHSAA/US Bank Distinguished Students

2008-09 NDHSAA/US Bank Distinguished Students

CLICK HERE for Past Distinguished Student Recipients

Objectives & Goals: To recognize deserving young people who are the ”backbone” of interscholastic activities, not necessarily the leader, but the individual whose participation in high school activities strengthens the program for participants, the school and the community.

Criteria: Applicant must be a junior the year the application is submitted. Student must be a participant as a player, manager, statistician or other role in at least one NDHSAA sponsored activity in the current year. Note: Participation does not necessarily mean excellence, honors or even active play. Student must be a good citizen and role model to his/her peers as well as a contributor to the community. The committee will evaluate applicants’ essays on their demonstration of sportsmanship and citizenship and how the applicant feels these values derived from activities will provide them lifelong benefits.

Selection Process: One applicant per school is allowed. A pre-screening committee will narrow the applicants to six semi-finalists. The final selection will be based upon an interview conducted by a Selection Committee. Immediately following the interviews, the results will be announced at an NDHSAA sponsored luncheon for semi-finalists and their families.

Deadlines: Completed application forms must be postmarked no later than April 1. Applications postmarked after April 1 will not be considered. Semi-finalists will be notified by mid-April. Interviews and the luncheon announcing the results will be held the first part of May.

Awards: All applicants of the NDHSAA Distinguished Student Program will receive a certificate suitable for framing. A press release naming all applicants will be sent statewide. Semi-finalists will receive a medallion, a Distinguished Student polo shirt and will be featured in the September issue of the NDHSAA publication, the Bulletin. They will also be invited to participate in other functions connected with NDHSAA events. US Bank has graciously funded scholarships for the finalists. The NDHSAA Distinguished Student recipient will receive a gold medallion and a $2,000 scholarship to the college of his/her choice. The runner-up will receive a silver medallion and a $1,000 scholarship. The other four semi-finalists will receive a silver medallion and a $500 scholarship to the college of his/her choice. The Distinguished Student will be invited to be the Grand Marshall of the NDHSAA Parade of Champions and, along with the other semi-finalists, participate in other activities such as serving as the NDHSAA spokesperson for High School Activities Week, promoting the values of activity programs and participating in awarding of trophies at NDHSAA state contests. (Expenses for the finalists will be paid by the NDHSAA for such assignments.)