WHS Student Awards

2024 Athena Award Winner - Gabby Mauder

The St. Paul Area Athena Awards program honors outstanding female high school senior student-athletes from St. Paul and suburban public and independent high schools for their athletic achievements. The award is based on excellence in individual sports or for participation and accomplishments in team sports.

Senior Gabby Mauder was selected as WHS Athena Award winner. Gabby is a stand out student-athlete who positively contributes to WHS school culture. Gabby is a nationally ranked diver that has won two Minnesota State High School League AA State Diving Champions. During her 6 years on the WHS Varsity Girls Swim and Dive Team, she has won the section 4AA title 5 times. She holds the WHS all-time records in the 6 and 11 dives and earned National Interscholastic Swim Coaches Association All America Diving the past 4 years.

Gabby excels in all areas of diving in the platform, 1 and 3 meter dives having qualified to the USA Diving Junior Nationals since 2017. Regionally, Gabby has been named the diving champion seven times, the zone champion three times and consistently ranked in the top 25 in the nation for divers in the class of 2024. In 2022, Gabby qualified to the Junior World championships in high diving and placed third in the world. As a junior, Gabby was invited to participate in the Red Bull Cliff Diving junior camp in Bosnia where she dove off the 70 foot Stari Most Bridge.

Rick Light, WHS Diving Coach shares “Gabby is the top student-athlete he has worked with within his 40 years of coaching swimming and diving, perhaps the best to come out of Woodbury HS in all sports.”

Gabby is a leader at Woodbury High School excelling in the classroom earning a 4.0 GPA. As the Vice President of the WHS Student-Council, Gabby has been a strong influence on creating and maintaining a positive inclusive school culture. As a member of the National Honor Society, she serves our community. She supports others as a member of the Royal Connections Core Team. Outside of homework and training, Gabby is superfan, supporting her classmates at teams and various events.

Gabby will attend the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities as a member of the Women’s Swim and Dive Team.

Congratulations to Gabby Mauder on being named the Woodbury High School 2024 Athena Award recipient.

The 30th annual Athena Award Banquet will take place April 17, 2024 at the RiverCentre in St. Paul at 11 AM. More information about the banquet can be found here.

Athena is the Goddess of Wisdom and Skills. She was brave and possessed the essence of all that is noble. Legend tells us that she possessed the gifts of dignity, power, and youth, making her invincible.

Triple "A" Award Winners

The Triple “A” Award is a Minnesota State High School League Award that recognizes seniors excelling in academics, arts and athletics. Teachers, coaches, directors and advisors nominate students. Students were encouraged to nominate others or themselves in the fall. After the nomination process has been completed, a committee reviews the applications and 2 senior students are selected. Congratulations to Seniors Claire Lienhard and Eunsol Lee.

Triple "A" Award Winner Claire Lienhard

Claire Lienhard has excelled in academics, arts and athletics during her years at Woodbury High School. She maintains a 3.9 weighted GPA and has taken several AP courses. Throughout elementary, middle and high school Claire has participated in the Spanish Immersion Program and is bilingual. As an honor roll student, she has received the Gold Seal of Biliteracy for Spanish.

Claire has been involved in orchestra since 4th grade playing the bass. Claire has served as a section leader in the WHS Concert Orchestra and WHS Imperial Chamber Group. Claire has accompanied all three choirs in their concerts including the Cabaret, the SEC Music Festival and the University of Wisconsin-EauClaire Clearwater Choir Music Festival as part of the jazz orchestra. As a member of Tri-M (Music Honors Society), Claire has been recognized as Student of the Trimester for orchestra. Claire gives back to the music community by volunteering to lead sections and assist in the eighth grade honors Orchestra within South Washington County Schools. Outside of school you can find Claire bringing joy to others through her music at the Mall of America, St. Therese Senior home, or at Jerry’s Foods.

Claire graduates as a 4 year varsity soccer player, and serving as Captain her senior year. She is a 2 year SEC All-Conference award winner and was recognized as an All-State player in her senior year. Claire has been a member of the WHS Student Leadership Council for 2 years. Claire has also helped assist in coaching at Woodbury Leadership Academy. In her soccer club, Claire has served as the Girls Academy Team representative and has helped coach younger players.

Claire will attend Wartburg College majoring in Exercise Science and Spanish, and participating on the Women’s Soccer Team and Symphony Ensemble.

Triple "A" Award Winner Eunsol Lee

Eunsol Lee has excelled in academics, arts and athletics during his years at Woodbury High School. He maintains a 4.0 unweighted GPA. He has scored a 5 on all 7 AP Courses he has tested for, and received the Platinum Seal of Biliteracy for Korean. Additionally, Eunsol has been recognized as a National Merit Semifinalist Scholar and selected as a candidate for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program.

Eunsol has been involved in orchestra since fourth grade playing the viola. He has been a member of the WHS Concert Orchestra and the Tri-M Honor Society, and helped found the WHS String Quartet. As a section leader in Orchestra, Eunsol is called upon to help and lead his peers. During the 2023 SEC Music Festival, Eunsol received All Conference honors.

Eunsol serves as a captain for both the speech and debate teams and mentors younger students. He competes in the Extemporaneous category in speech and the Congressional category in debate. During his junior year in speech, he was a finalist at the MSHSL Section 3AA Tournament and a qualifier to the National Individual Event Tournament of Champions. In his second year in debate, he was the 2024 National Qualifier District Champion in Senate Congressional Debate. He will be competing at the National Speech and Debate Tournament in June.

Eunsol is a member of the Boys Tennis Team during the spring as he is finishing up the MSHSL Speech season and preparing for nationals. He has played tennis during his four years in high school.

Eunsol looks to study electrical engineering next year and plans to participate in musical ensembles in college.

ExCel Award Winners

The ExCel Award is a Minnesota State High School League Award that recognizes juniors making satisfactory progress toward graduation, participating in a league-sponsored fine art or athletic activity, holding leadership positions in the school, and volunteering within the community.

ExCel Award Winner Amalie Bethke

Junior Amalie Bethke is a Woodbury High School ExCel recipient. Amalie is highly engaged in many activities at Woodbury High School. Academically, Amalie has received Academic Honor Roll recognition during their three years in high school and was named a Student of the Tri in ninth grade.

As a member of the WHS Royal Theatre Pride, Amalie has earned cast roles in every show put on by the theatre department during their high school career. Amalie was cast in 3 musicals, 2 plays, and 3 Minnesota State High School League One Act plays. They were named a dance captain in their tenth-grade musical and choreographer in both spring plays. During their tenth-grade year, the One Act Play earned runner-up in the section competition and they received an Honorable Mention from Hennepin Theatre Trust’s Spotlight Education in their role of dance captain. This allowed them to participate in the Opening Number for the Spotlight Showcase as well as the medley for the musical. For the past 2 years, they have held Royal Theatre Pride Board positions as Co-President and Treasurer. Over these two years, they helped plan and run the Night at Sea and Bomont Talent Show, both performance-based fundraisers for local organizations.

As a member of the band, Amalie plays the French Horn, Mellophone, and Trumpet after switching from the saxophone in their ninth-grade year to help balance the band. They are a member of the Marching Band, Pep Band, Jazz Band, and Brass Choir, while also serving as the Mello Section Leader. As a hornist, they assist the concert orchestra during Full Orchestra pieces. Amalie was selected to be a part of the University of Minnesota Honor Band in their eleventh-grade year.

Amalie holds leadership roles in many other activities at Woodbury High School. As the editor of the Student Newspaper, Amalie communicates and updates our community on events and highlights student life at WHS. As a Link Crew Leader, Amalie supports and mentors ninth graders, easing their transition into high school. In the National Honor Society, Amalie serves as the audio/visual and cornhole chairs while tutoring their peers. Amalie has been a grade representative for Key Club each of their three years of high school, serving a variety of roles in service and volunteering. As a Tri-M member, they continue to give back to the music community assisting and performing at various music events. Lastly, Amalie serves as a Co-President of Spanish Club.

Within our community, Amalie serves as a Sunday School teacher and church camp counselor. Additionally, you can find Amalie out and about as a Woodbury Days Teen Council member or City of Woodbury volunteer.

ExCel Award Winner Pashin Poonwala

Junior Pashin Pooniwala is a Woodbury High School ExCel recipient.

Pashin is a leader in many of the Activities he is involved with at Woodbury High School. He has received academic Honor Roll recognition in his three years of High School, as well as named a student of the Trimester in tenth grade.

In the Orchestra, Pashin plays the Violin. He has been recognized as an SEC Honors Orchestra Violinist. Pashin has served as a concertmaster for the WHS Chamber Orchestra. His passion for music involves leading as a Secretary in the Tri-M Music Honors Society where he provides service opportunities for students to give back to the music community. Pashin is also a Teacher’s Assistant for our Orchestra Director.

Pashin can be found working and leading one of our many clubs at Woodbury High School. He is a National Honor Society member, chairing many events, such as the NHS Blood Drive. He serves as Secretary of the Asian American Student Association. On the Health Occupations Students of America team at WHS, Pashin has been recognized as a State Champion in Forensic Sciences in ninth grade qualifying him for the International tournament in Nashville, Tennessee. In tenth grade, he placed third at HOSA state and was again an international qualifier. He was an inaugural participant on the WHS Debate team as a tenth grader. In Link Crew, Pashin serves as the Events Coordinator where he plans numerous events for our ninth graders as well as ease their way into high school.

Within our community, Pashin has gained experience as a Regions Hospital Guest Service Volunteer working the front desk and providing help to many individuals. He has also volunteered with MORE, teaching English to refugees in St. Paul who have come from Afghanistan

Woodbury High School Athena Award Recipient - Chloe Carlson

Senior Chloe Carlson was selected as WHS Athena Award recipient. Chloe is a standout student - athlete that has played two sports during high school. She has participated in girls' swim and dive team since seventh grade and has been a member of the golf team for the past 3 years. The past 2 winters she has been a manager for the boys swim and dive team. Throughout high school, Chloe has earned 11 varsity athletic letters and 4 academic letters. As a captain of two sports, she is a leader in her activities and around the school. As a senior, she was ranked 3rd best swimmer in the competitive Suburban East Conference which is based on a power point ranking and considers all events and swimmers in the conference. She is a five time WHS Top 20 record holder in both 2021 and 2022. As a senior, Chloe was the section and true team section champion in the 100 backstroke. In 2022, Chloe qualified for state in the 100 backstroke and 200 Freestyle Relay. In 2021, she participated in the state meet in the 200 freestyle relay. Chloe has been named all conference in swimming and honorable mention twice.

While her individual accomplishments are great, her leadership and competitiveness has led her team to improve while she has been a team member and leader. Chloe is called upon to consistently swim 3-4 events each meet. Woodbury Girls Swim and Dive have participated in the state true team meet the past 2 years. In conference competition, the Royals have finished in second place in 2022 and 2021 and third place in 2020 and 2019.

Head Coach Liz Rodgers states that “Chloe is a fun, can do, serious competitor. Her drive, attitude, work ethic and team spirit is contagious. Every coach wants what Chloe offers on their team; a great student-athlete, a leader and a champion.

In golf, Chloe has been the second leading team scorer who has dropped her scoring average by 9 shots as a junior. Starting golf in high school and missing out on her ninth grade season due to COVID, Chloe has continually improved her golf game over the past 3 years. Head Coach Karen Weiss states that “Chloe is a funny, energetic and supportive teammate and a coach’s dream to teach. She leads both by example and by influence. That kind of leadership can’t be taught, it is part of her DNA and everyone around her notices and responds, becoming better in the process.”

Chloe will attend Creighton University and participate on the rowing team.

Congratulations - Chloe Carlson on being named the Woodbury High School 2023 Athena Award recipient.

Mock Trial Advances to State

The Woodbury/East Ridge Mock Trial Team advanced to state tournament after competing in the 5th round of mock trial sections. The team will compete at state March 2 -3. The team has advanced to state the past 2 of 3 years!

Congratulations to the coaches and following students:

Woodbury High School Students: Kate Westlake, Alex Casner, Anthony Yakoub, Ash Davis, Iman Elsafy, Waverly Yang, Nora Kelly, Gus Groepper and Andrew Trinh

East Ridge High School Students: Isaac Malm & Mathew Spaulding

State Alpine Ski Meet Results

Woodbury High School advanced two alpine skiers to the MSHSL State Meet held on Tuesday, Feb. 14 at Giants Ridge. Senior Elanore Robb finished 3rd in the section meet and this will be her third time advancing to the state meet as in individual. Tenth Grader Bennett LeVander, has attend state the past 2 years as a team participant. In 2023, he advanced as an individual competitor placing seventh in sections.

Alpine Ski Meet Results

Congratulations to our WHS students that participated in the MSHSL Alpine State Ski Meet on Tuesday, Feb. 14 at Giants Ridge. Senior Elanore Robb finished in 13th place. Her times were 39.47 and 39.87 for a combined time if 1:19.34. Tenth Grader Bennett LeVander finished in 14th place. His times were 38.88 and 39.65 for a combined time of 1:18.53.

Congratulation Elanore and Bennett!

WHS Science Olympiad Advances to State

Congratulations to the Science Olympiad team for a second-place finish at the regional tournament on Saturday, February 4th. In addition, each team member earned 1-3 personal medals in their individual events. The team has advanced to the state tournament which will take place on Saturday, March 4th at Bethel University.

Excellence in Arts, Athletics and Academics

Triple "A" Winner Paige Leinhard

Paige Lienhard has excelled in academics, arts and athletics during her years at Woodbury High School. She maintains a 4.34 weighted GPA and has taken several AP courses. Throughout elementary, middle and high school Paige has participated in the Spanish Immersion Program and is bilingual. As an honor roll student, she has lettered in academics all 4 years in high school and has received the Minnesota State High School League Coaches Association Academic Excellence Award twice. During her time in high school

Paige has been involved in orchestra since 4th grade playing the cello. Throughout high school, she has been a member of the chamber orchestra, accompanied choir in their concerts, named a section leader twice, received superior ratings for an ensemble award and is a member of the Tri-M, a National Honors Society for musicians. Additionally, her senior Spanish Immersion Captsone project required for graduation researches Latin American music for a composition she is composing incorporating multiple styles of Hispanic music to express cultural differences through instruments. Paige shares her musical talents with her faith congregation.

As a varsity soccer player grades 10-12, Paige has been named All Conference in the competitive Suburban East League each year, First Team All-State and All-Metro Second Team in 2022. As a captain, she is recognized as a leader working with her peers and continues to hone her leadership skills as part of the WHS Leadership Council.

Triple "A" Winner Benjamin Zupfer

Benjamin Zupfer has excelled in academics, arts and athletics during his years at Woodbury High School. He maintains a 4.2 weighted GPA and has challenged himself during high school taking AP Courses and College in School academic work.

Benjamin has earned 3 lead roles in WHS Royal Theatre musicals during his high school career participating in The Addams Family (Pugsley Addams) as a freshman, Chicago (Billy Flynn) and Anything Goes (Billy Crocker). His honors in musical theatre include being recognized as “Honorable Mention in a Leading Role” from the Hennepin Theatre Trust’s Spotlight Education program for Chicago and “Outstanding Achievement in Musical Theatre” honors for the overall productions of Chicago and Anything Goes.

Benjamin is a dedicated and successful musician playing the violin at the orchestra concert level grades 10-12. In orchestra, Benjamin has served as concertmaster and a solo ensemble contestant. Benjamin earned accolades of a Superior Rating (the highest rating possible) at the Minnesota State High School League Solo and Ensemble contest. In choir, Benjamin has been recognized as a tenor soloist and section leader.

Athletically, Benjamin started playing tennis in high school and earned varsity honors his second year of playing.

State Debate

Congratulations to Seniors Arif Ansari and Izzy Parker for earning All State Honors in Debate. They were recognized in finishing in the top 8 of debate participants throughout the season in Congressional Debate. Arif placed 7th at the state meet and Izzy 3rd at the state meet.

ExCEL Award

ExCEL Award Winner Sarah Rundquist

Junior Sarah Rundquist is a Woodbury High School ExCel recipient. Sarah is highly engaged in many activities at Woodbury High School. Academically, Sarah is a student involved in the Spanish Immersion program since kindergarten and is fluent in Spanish. Sarah has received Academic Honor Roll recognition during her three years in high school.

As a member of the WHS Girls Swim and Dive Team, she is a 3 year letter winner and section team member, as well as one of next year’s captains. She has participated in the True Team state meet multiple times with her team, and has posted a top 20 split time in the medley breaststroke. She has earned team honors such as “most determined” and “hardest working” team member on the girls swim and dive team.

As an orchestra member, Sarah plays the violin and piano. She is a member of the Royal Chamber and Concert Orchestra. She is also a multiple time MMTA piano contest semifinalist. Additionally she has been recognized as a Suburban East Conference Honors Orchestra member, and accompanies her church band and her fellow violinists on the piano.

Sarah serves as the co-president of Tri-M Music Honors Society and the junior class representative in Key Club. She also holds various leadership roles in the National Honors Society. Sarah is involved in many other activities within Woodbury High School as well, including Link Crew, Peer Tutoring and Health Occupation Students of America.

Within our community, Sarah is a leader at her church and serves as a Sunday School teacher, usher, choir member, and piano player as part of the church worship team. Additionally, you can find Sarah helping her peers succeed as a tutor with Living Room Tutors and as an active volunteer at community events

ExCEL Award Winner Andrew Amoah

Junior Andrew Amoah is a Woodbury High School ExCel recipient.

Andrew is a leader in many of the Activities he is involved with at Woodbury High School. He has received academic Honor Roll recognition in his three years of High School.

In Band and Orchestra, Andrew plays the flute, piccolo, and tenor saxophone. Andrew participates in the Pep Band and Marching Band, holding the flute section leader position. He also is a member of the Jazz and Woodwind Ensemble. He has earned best in show and superior ratings in both solo and ensemble contests. He is a member of the Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphony. Andrew has been a member of the Suburban East Conference Honors Band and Orchestra.

Andrew can be found working with one of our many clubs at Woodbury High School. He is a webmaster for Key Club and Tri-M Music Honor Society. As a member of Royal Ambassadors, Royal Connections and the Student Ambassador Committee, he represents our school with a variety of students and community members. In Math League and Science Quiz Bowl he has been part of successful teams that have excelled locally and at state. As a member of Yearbook, Black Student Union, Ignite and Red Cross he supports many groups, demonstrating his many interests and value to our school community.

Within our community, Andrew has volunteered at Toys for Tots and Girls Dream Code. Additionally you can find Andrew involved in the tech and media team of his church, International Christian Faith Center.

Andrew spent one year playing Boys Tennis during tenth grade.

3 Students sign National Letters of Intent to Play Collegiate Athletics

NCAA Fall Signing Period ocurred on Wednesday, November, 9, 2022. The following students signed national letters of intent to play intercollegiate athletics.

Jordan Dunigan - Track and Field - University of MInnesota

Adam Wall - Winona State - Baseball

Ava Reich - Women's Swim and Dive - Minnesota State University - Mankato

Anything Goes!

Congratulations to the Cast, Crew and Directors for their entertaining production Anything Goes! The WHS Musical Anything Goes included an amazing set and light, delightfully choreographed dancing and a list of characters that made you laugh and smile throughout performances!

Girls Swim and Dive Team Earn Second Place Section Finish

Congratulations to the Girls Swim and Dive Team on their second place section finish!

The team had several individuals advance to state. The following will be participating in the State Swim and Dive Meet November 16-18, 2022.

The Royals advanced two swimmers, two divers and two relays to state!

Ava Reich 100 Fly 59.21 - First Place Finish - Section Champion!

Chloe Carlson 100 Back 59.48- First Place Finish - Section Champion Personal Best

Gabby Mauder - Diving - First Place Finish - Section Champion - 483.35 Junior Record, Season Best

Halle Linn - Diving - Fourth Place Finish, State Qualifier, - 345.50 Personal Best

200 Free Relay - Second Place Finish, Season Best 1:40.97 - Advances to State -

Chloe Carlson

Ava Hacker

Maya Tellez

Ava Reich

Alternates: Addison Forshee, Payton Getzlaff, Kairi Brown, Elsa Sorenson-Wagner

400 Free Relay - Second Place Finish, Season Best & a AA State Qualifying Time of 3:39.06

- Advances to State -

Ava Reich

Ava Hacker

Addison Forshee

Maya Tellez

Alternates: Sophia Peterson, Estella Serafimov, Nora Kelly, Lucy Jacobson

Preliminary State Meet Results

The Royals made big waves in preliminary competition at the State Swim and Dive Meet! All Royals that advanced to the state meet will be competing in finals!!

In the diving preliminary and semi final rounds, both Gabby and Halle advanced to the finals. Gabby is currently in 1st place at her fifth state seed and Halle is currently 15th in her first State Meet! Prelim Diving Results

Gabby Mauder 196.05 (1st) 301.00 (1st) +7 points better than last year's state meet after semi’s
Halle Linn 164.75 (13th) 241.00 (15th) first State Meet

At the State Meet for swimming, there are 3 heats of 8, so a total of 24 individuals or relay teams for each event. The top 16 times advance to finals with the top 1-8 times placing in the championship finals and top 9-16 times in the consolation finals. Prelim Swim Results.

Ava Reich placed 14th in the 100 Butterfly with a time of 58.69.
In the 200 Free Relay, Ava Hacker, Chloe Carlson, Maya Tellez and Ava Reich placed 16th overall with a time of 1:40.65.
Chloe Carlson finished 11th overall in the 100 yard backstroke with a time of 58.81.
In the 400 Free Relay the team of Ava Reich, Ava Hacker, Addison Forshee and Maya Tellez finished 11th with a time of 3:37.

State Meet Finals Results

In diving, Gabby Mauder (11th grade) won her second consecutive State Meet and remained unbeaten in her last three high school seasons. Gabby scored 426.90 point which is a 10 points improvement from last year's State Meet, it was her 22nd All-America Consideration score and fourth time being named All State!

Halle Linn (10th grade) moved up a place from the semifinals and earned a 7 on her inward dive in finals. Halle finished in 14th place with a score of 328.20 and was named All State Honorable Mention.

See the diving medals ceremony here.

In Swimming

Ava Reich placed 14th in the 100 Butterfly with a time of 58.76.
In the 200 Free Relay, Ava Hacker, Chloe Carlson, Maya Tellez and Ava Reich placed 14th overall with a time of 1:41.22.
Chloe Carlson finished 13th overall in the 100 yard backstroke with a time of 59.72.
In the 400 Free Relay, the team of Ava Reich, Ava Hacker, Addison Forshee and Maya Tellez finished 13th with a time of 3:38.38

The team goal was to get everyone that advanced to state to compete in finals and double their team score from last year. They were able to achieve their goals as a team this year and had a great state meet! The team finished 18th out of 41 teams competing in the state meet. Congratulations to all members of the Girls Swim and Dive team for a great season!

State Diving Champion!

State Meet Finals

See the medals ceremony here.

State Meet Preliminary

Gabby Mauder 196.05 (1st) 301.00 (1st) +7 points better than last year's state meet after semi’s
Halle Linn 164.75 (13th) 241.00 (15th) first State Meet

Section Information

The Woodbury divers dominated the Section 4AA Diving Meet, winning four medals and advancing two divers to the State Diving Meet on Wednesday. Diving prelims are on Wednesday, Nov. 16 at 6 PM. Diving finals are Friday, Nov. 18 at 6 PM. The State Swim and Dive meet is held at the UM of Twin Cities Aquatics Center.

State Meet Information: Here

Team Points:

Woodbury - 61

Mounds View - 44

Stillwater - 22

Roseville - 21

Tartan - 6

White Bear Lake - 1

Section 4AA Diving Meet 11/11/22

1st place Gabby Mauder 483.35, All-America Consideration score, Junior Record, Season Best

4th place Halle Linn 345.50, State Qualifier, Personal Best

5th place Nina Faulkner 325.95, Personal Best, Woodbury Middle School Record

7th place Eva Nohner 316.70

Gabby won her 4th straight section diving meet, advancing to her 5th State Meet while setting the WHS Junior record.

Halle, in her first section meet, advances to the State Meet, with her 4th place finish.

Nina, with her 5th place finish, broke the 20 year old Woodbury Middle School record, which was set by WHS's first All-America diver (Holly Johannsen) as an 8th grader!

Eva improved, both her score and place, with her 7th place finish, over last years section meet.

Congratulations!!

Boys State Soccer All Tournament Team

Congratulations to Xander Anderson, Todao Magana, Eddie Puglisi and Olin Franzwa on their selection to the All Tournament State Tournament Team for Boys Soccer. The team had a great season finishing second in state in the MSHSL AAA State Tournament!

Football Wins Conference Championship

WHS wins the Maroon 6AAAAAA Football Division for the second year. The Royals had the best district record with 5-1 record to earn the Conference Championship.

State Tennis

Seniors Ashley and Brittany Nguyen advanced to state in Girls Tennis as a doubles team in individual 3AA section competition for the second year in a row! They competed against Harding 6-4, 6-3 and Hastings 6-2, 7-6 in section semi finals and finals! Congratulations Brittany and Ashley! They will compete in state competition starting on Thursday, Oct. 27 at the Baseline Tennis Center.

In the state meet Brittney and Ashley competed against Becker High School winning 6-3, 6-3. In the second round they played the #1 seed Minnetonka losing 6-3, 6-1.

Brittany and Ashley had a 5 year varsity tennis career at Woodbury High School. Brittney is a 5 time all conference award winner who participated in the individual state meet 3 times. Ashley is a 4 time all conference award winner who participated in the individual state meet 2 times.

In 2019, Ashley and Brittney were part of a WHS Girls Tennis Team that won the Section Championship and advanced to state as a team.

Congratulation Ashley and Brittney on a great high school tennis career!

National Champion

The Woodbury High School Speech Team returned to in-person Nationals this year at NSDA 2022, hosted in Louisville, Kentucky. For the fifth consecutive year, the team earned a School of Excellence award, the highest distinction available for a speech program, and it placed in the top 10 in the country. The team advanced over 70% of its entries to outrounds, and for the third time in five years, WHS Speech had a National Champion. Senior Anneteke Adoga won Informative Speaking for the second year in a row, becoming one of only a handful of students in the century-old activity to win back-to-back national titles. Her speech on the history, impacts, and implications of the Second Amendment led the tournament from start to finish. She was also a finalist for the NSDA Student of the Year award, the most prestigious individual distinction given out by the organization and designed to honor those competitors who have excelled in academics, leadership, service, and speech. The team also auto-qualified two juniors due to their placement in the top-14 in the country. Srinath Hariharan and Brady Fisher will compete at NSDA 2023 in Extemporaneous Speaking and Program Oral Interpretation, respectively. The tournament will be held next year in Phoenix, Arizona.

Speech Team

On March 16th, the Woodbury High School Speech Team won the 3AA section tournament. 14 schools competed in the section tournament determining who would advance to the state tournament in April. Woodbury advanced 17 students to the state tournament, the most in team history. In addition to advancing 17 students, the team earned a perfect team sweepstakes point record with ten WHS students being named tournament champions of the 13 different MSHSL speaking events.

Athena Award Winner

Senior Carley Tuman was selected as WHS Athena Award winner. Carly is standout student - athlete that played 3 sports during high school. She participated in tennis, hockey and lacrosse throughout high school winning 10 varsity athletic letters and 3 academic letters. As a captain of three sports, she is a leader in her activities and around the school. Carley has been named all conference in hockey and lacrosse and honorable mention all conference in tennis. As a sophomore, Carly participated in the state team tennis tournament winning sections. In lacrosse, Carley has been named first team all section. As a senior in hockey she was a Ms. Goalie finalist. Carley gives back to the Woodbury Community by volunteering with the youth associations in hockey and lacrosse and being an interpreter for Be My Eyes. Carley plans to attend St. Olaf College and play hockey.

Speech Team

Congratulations to the Speech Team. This past weekend they advanced 7 individuals to the national qualifiers and Woodbury HS won the national district qualifier as a team. Senior Anneteke Adoga was named Student of the Year and moves on to the national level. The individual qualifiers are Minkai Li, Callie Peterson, Anneteke Adoga, Maria Kolb, Brady Fischer, Srinath Hariharan, Bridgitte Thao.

Alpine Ski

Elanor Robb finishes 12th out of 88 at state

STATE BOUND!

Alpine Ski

Congratulations to the Boys Alpine Ski Team for advancing to state for the second year. The team placed second at the section meet. The team members advancing to state are Bennett Levander (9), Andrew Sorensen (10), George O’Reilly (9), Sean Norman (10), Matt Sorenson (12) and Kyle Hedges (9). Elanor Robb (11) placed 3rd in the section meet and is advancing to state as an individual. This is Elanor Robb’s second year advancing to state. The boys team finished 6th out of 8 teams in state and Bennett LeVander placed 17th out of 88 skiers

Senior Sophia Barjesteh Finalist For Ms. Soccer And First Team All State

Royals soccer player Sophia Barjesteh nominated for one of 5 finalists for Ms. Soccer. Pictured with head coach Pat Malicki during the banquet when Sophia was named first team all state on Sunday, Oct. 24, 2021. Sophia Barjesteh will play women's soccer for the Gophers next year.