RLCC Students Honored with Spotlight on Scholarship Certificates

By Marie Johnson

The Minnesota State High School League and McDonald’s Twin Cities Co-Op recently awarded 46 Spotlight on Scholarship certicates to Red Lake County Central High School Students for their academic achievements in the classroom. 

Sponsored by the League for 21 years, the Spotlight on Scholarship Program began in 1995 to recognize students who participate in League-sponsored activities and who have a “B” or better grade average. Close to 700,000 students have been honored so far, and today the Spotlight on Scholarship Program is considered the fastest-growing recognition program the League sponsors. 

“The Spotlight on Scholarship Program is an opportunity for students who have excelled to step into the well-deserved spotlight,” said Principal Randy Pederson. “These students have proven that they can be successful both in and out of the classroom.”

“McDonald’s and our owner/operators are proud to sponsor the Spotlight on Scholarship Program,” said Tom Butler, McDonald’s owner/operator and Twin Cities Co-Op president. “Many of our employees are students, and an education is critical as they pursue their dreams. We lend our support and resources to help them achieve their goals.”

Students receiving the Spotlight on Scholarship certificates for the winter season are listed by the sport or activity they participated in. 

Girls Basketball: Taylor Bushelle, Ashley Longtin, Nikki Schmitz, Billie Gryskiewicz, Hannah Kolstoe, Julia Bernstein, Sarah Christensen, Marie Johnson, Zoe Russillo, Madison Carlson, Brandie DeHate, Calyssa Eskeli, Jayden Iverson, Adrienne Jones, Sidney Olson, Jenna Pahlen, Courtney Rude, Tanisha Srnsky, and Abby Walton. 

Boys Basketball: Makay Berns, Matt Vettleson, Austin Jensen, Connor Lambert, Justin Nemec, Alex Peterson, Dawson Rystad, Adrien Verbout, Zach Benson, Chris Longtin, Derek Peterson, and Gunnar Thompson. 

Wrestling: Alec Castaneda, Kyle Gagner, Nick Pahlen, Tristyn Ferguson, George Duden, and Paul DeHate. 

One Act Play: Dede Walton, Tera Qualley, Natalie Aakhus, Jayden Fore, Sydney Melby, Kara Longtin, Jade Person, Britan Arlt, Heather Longtin, and Jeremiah Rathsack. 

In addition to honoring students for their individual efforts, the Spotlight on Scholarship Program banners to League member schools whose varsity fine arts and athletic teams collectively achieve a 3.0 or better grade-point average More than 200 schools have banners hanging in their school. 

For more information about the Spotlight on Scholarship Program contact RLCC High School or the League office at 763-560-2262.