This is part one in a two-part series highlighting the Triple A Winners from ACGC. Watch for part two coming soon!
Each school year, The Minnesota State High School League recognizes students from across the state who go above and beyond in all aspects of their school participation. The Academics, Arts, and Athletics Award, commonly known as the Triple 'A' Award, honors high school seniors throughout the state who have a 3.0 or higher-grade point average and who participate in League-sponsored athletic and fine arts activities.
Triple ‘A’ Award recipients are selected through a multi-level process involving member schools of the League, the League’s administrative regions, and a special committee of educators, business leaders, and members from the fine arts and athletic communities.
For the 2025-26 school year, ACGC was proud to nominate Quinn Eisenbacher and Micah Morrison, who were selected as the candidates at the Region 5A, District 20 Triple “A” Awards Banquet. The banquet honors two students—one female and one male—from each of the ten schools in District 20 for their outstanding accomplishments in Academics, Arts, and Athletics.
We wanted to connect with the ACGC winners to ask a bit more about their experiences and get their perspective about the award and their time in our schools. The responses have been edited for content and clarity.
Micah Morrison
Triple A is all about Academics, Arts, and Athletics, how have you been involved in these areas as a student at ACGC?
Academics, Arts, and Athletics have been a large part of my development in the past few years. I have been involved in a large number of activities during my time here including basketball, track and field, cross country, Math League, National Honor Society, Student Council, band, football managing, and choir.
In academics, Math League allowed me to maintain a solid understanding of math which contributed to my success as a student. I have kept my grades stable throughout high school while setting a high standard for myself. In the arts, I previously participated in band and choir and was able to earn a superior at the solo contest.
Athletics have built the largest foundation for me, as they taught me qualities of leadership, persistence, and capability. The ACGC cross country team had picked back up after being absent for 20 years prior and I was one of their new founding members. In cross country I struggled and was never the greatest athletically, but the sport taught me the limits to my capabilities while learning to lead through something new.
In basketball, I have been a leader through my senior year and the current leading scorer on the team. Although our record may not be excellent, I am proud of the work my teammates have put in and I hope my leadership can be an example for future falcons. Track and Field has been my most successful athletic pursuit. I have been on the varsity team since 7th grade and lettering along with it. Initially I didn't have much direction as to what event I wanted to do, bouncing around long jump, the 400, and the 200 but in my 9th grade year I found pole vault. Since then, I have found success. I have made it to the section meet for the last three years placing 5th in the section last year. I also won first place in our conference which is my favorite and most proud athletic accomplishment!
Who are some teachers or coaches that have made an impact on you during your time in school?
I have been mentored by a numerous number of coaches and teachers. The ones that made the most lasting impact were also the ones that had the most fleeting experience with me. Coach Kelly Heimerman was my cross country coach, track coach, math league coach, and teacher. I first met her my 7th grade year on track but never really knew her. It was not until my 10th grade geometry class that I got to truly meet the bubbly Heim. She would always show up to class with a smile and never complain about the kids that gave her grief. She was oftentimes too nice to the individuals who needed help offering answers instead of ways to get answers. She impacted me profoundly not only in my understanding of math but in how nice one human could be. Alas, her time with me was fleeting because she was offered a job at Paynesville to work closer with her family. Aside from Heim I have been impacted by my new cross country coach Sutton Junkermer and my old health teacher, gym teacher, and basketball coach Terry Miller. These two have taught me valuable lessons throughout my time at ACGC.
Why is it important to get involved in activities as a student?
Activity involvement is important because it builds a foundation for a more impactful life, through many skills such as time management, leadership, and communication. By trying many activities you also get a glimpse of varying communities and people. Being able to connect with different kinds of people has allowed me to build more empathy for others and their human experiences.
What is great about being an ACGC Falcon?
ACGC is the only school I've attended my entire life which can be said the same for most of my peers! As with other small schools the community at ACGC may not seem close knit at first glance, and even to some students it may not feel that way, but knowing the people around you develops a sense of security that I don't believe other schools may have. Being a Falcon has been a great experience for me and I am happy that I had the opportunity to be involved at ACGC.
What are your plans for after high school?
Post high school, I plan to pursue a higher education at NDSU in Fargo. I will study environmental engineering with a potential minor in electrical/renewable energy engineering. I aim to make an impact and leave the earth better than I found it.
Anything else people should know about what it is like to be a student at ACGC?
ACGC is a great school with a small but fulfilling community. The educators at ACGC have worked only to build me up into the best person that I can be and have led me towards every accomplishment I have made so far.