Bowyer, Gronke named AAA winners

Lauren Bowyer and Tyler Gronke have been selected Minneota High School's Academics, Arts and Athletics (AAA) Award winners this year.
The AAA Award honors high school senior throughout the state who have a 3.0 or higher grade-point-average and who participate in League-sponsored athletic and fine art activities.
Schools may nominate one senior boy and one senior girl for this award, complete the application form and submit it to the administrative region secretary by the deadline date specified by the region committee.
Bowyer and Gronke will be among the region finalists. Two award finishers from each section (one boy and one girl) will be invited to a recognition banquet in March and Minnesota State High School League officials will announce the four statewide AAA winners at that time.
All 32 section finalists will participate in an on-court ceremony during the Class AA championship game of the boys' basketball state tournament. The statewide award winners will also receive a four-year $1,000 scholarship.
Bowyer qualified with a 3.582 grade-point-average.
"I enjoy my studies very much," she said. "I have really enjoyed my two college courses this semester. It's such a great opportunity to experience what's to come. Being a part of the AAA has given me a great foundation to leave high school and be successful in the next steps that I take after high school."
Bowyer enjoys her time spent as an alto in the senior high choir.
"Singing or playing in the band really makes a person well-rounded," she said.
Bowyer qualified for the state golf tournament last spring and finished 18th in Class A. She recently signed a National Letter of Intent to play golf next fall for the University of Minnesota-Crookston.
"Golf is a passion for me and I have enjoyed being a member of the Minneota golf team," she said. "It's helped me grow in many ways."
Gronke is sporting a 3.33 GPA this year.
"Starting my freshman year, I didn't put the right amount of time into my studies and my grades reflected that," Gronke admitted. "The middle of my sophomore year, I realized I wanted to be a better student. I took the time to change my study habits and my efforts paid off as my GPA started to rise."
Gronke has been a participant in band since fifth grade, playing the drums. He is also in the choir.
"I really love playing the drums," he said. "I find myself tapping to a beat in my head whether it be at the dinner table, in the classroom or in my room at my desk.
"My parents made me join choir after I got into trouble messing around in a study hall. I found I really like it and enjoy the class."
Gronke has lettered in baseball and wrestling for Minneota.
"I am in a small school environment and feel the necessary involvement in athletes is important to keeping the programs within our school thriving," he said. "My time in athletics has help me with social skills, learning to work together with my peers, and most importantly, gaining confidence for myself."