East Ridge Nominates Erickson, Joiner for MSHSL Award

recently announced that it has nominated Merlin Erickson and Jamila Joiner for the 2011-12 ExCEL Award.

Sponsored by the Minnesota State High School League, the ExCEL Award is designed exclusively for Minnesota high school juniors “who are active in school activities, who show leadership qualities, and who are model citizens,” according to the MSHSL website.

ExCEL stands for: Excellence in Community, Education and Leadership. Nominees must:

• be a junior in high school;
• make satisfactory progress toward graduation requirements;
• participate in a MSHSL fine arts and/or athletic activity;
• hold a leadership position(s) in their school; and
• work voluntarily in their community.

Every member school of the MSHSL is invited to nominate one girl and one boy for the ExCEL Award. 

“As a MSHSL member-school, East Ridge is proud to submit Merlin and Jamila as our nominees for this award,” school officials wrote in a release.

Merlin Erickson—a soccer and baseball player—is also a , and on the honor roll. He is a member of National Honor Society, Student Council and Key Club. 

Merlin volunteers through his church as a secretary and youth counselor, and participates in and Feed My Starving Children.

He was nominated by East Ridge social studies teacher Brian Sprout.

“Merlin is a very influential student who is looked up to for direction,” Sprout said. “Students follow him because he is an outstanding person who brings out the best in others. He is more than a great student or athlete at ERHS. He represents the core values that East Ridge strives to meet.”   

Jamila Joiner has participated in gymnastics, softball, track, band and choir. 

She is a LINK Leader and honor roll student. Jamila volunteers through her church, at gymnastics camps, and participates in the as well. 

She was nominated by Brittany Simmons.

“Jamila demonstrates hard work, effort, and dedication in all her activities,” Simmons said. “She encourages others to do their best, and consistently shows school spirit. She is an excellent role model and leader to her peers.”