BHS juniors honored for their leadership, academic excellence and service

Burnsville High School (BHS) has nominated juniors Meena Pothini and William Henke as this year’s ExCEL Award (Excellence in Community, Education and Leadership) recipients. 

Sponsored by the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL), this unique recognition program is designed exclusively for Minnesota high school juniors who are active in school activities, who show leadership qualities, and who work voluntarily in their community.

Every member school of the MSHSL is invited to nominate one girl and one boy for the ExCEL Award. Nominees must meet the following criteria:

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

Meena is an honor roll student, two-sport athlete (basketball & soccer) and captain, and orchestra member. She is also a part of National Honor Society (NHS), Link Crew, BHS Student Council, prom committee, peer tutoring/counseling, affinity groups and weightlifting. A dedicated volunteer in her community for many years, Meena is responsible for organizing and leading a variety of service projects and donation events and serves as Harriet Bishop Elementary School’s Service Club leader and mentor. She also regularly volunteers with BrainPower in a Backpack, supporting hunger relief efforts in District 191.   

“A student with a prolonged track record of academic success, Meena Pothini is an extraordinary candidate,” said world history teacher Les Moffitt in his letter of recommendation. “ She consistently challenges herself to the most rigorous classes and balances that with pursuing co-curricular interests.” 

Meena is currently enrolled in the Associate of Arts Degree Pathway at BHS and is on track to graduate with her A.A. degree and diploma.

William is an honor roll student, three-sport athlete (baseball, football and wrestling) and team captain. As an athlete, it’s important for William to lead by example and strives to do this as student leader of Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He has also volunteered with Feed My Starving Children, packing meals for children/families in need.

”William separates himself from his peers through his willingness to take responsibily and inspire others,” said Ryan King, BHS teacher and football coach. “He approaches challenges with determination, whether in academics, athletics or service, and encourages those around him to strive for their best. His leadership style blends accountability with humility, creating an environment where teamwork thrives.” 

Meena and William will now be considered for the state ExCEL Award. State ExCEL Award recipients will be selected by an independent panel of judges from schools throughout Minnesota, and winners will be announced in early February.

Each recipient will be recognized on 45TV during the broadcast of the 2026 winter tournaments. They also will participate in an on-court award ceremony during the Class AA championship game of the girls basketball state tournament in March.

For more information about the ExCEL Award, visit the MSHSL website at https://www.mshsl.org/who-are-you/students/student-recognition/excel-award.