MEGT Star of the North Award

    History of the Award

    From 1999 to 2011, MEGT, in partnership with NAGC, annually presented a Nicholas Green Distinguished Student Award to children who have made a difference in their community and who have excelled academically or in the arts. The lack of national funding caused NAGC to eliminate its support of this award nationwide. The MEGT State Board established the Star of the North Award in 2012.

    Star of the North Application Process/Criteria:

    1. Fill out the Star of the North application form by October 1st each year.
      1. Students must be enrolled in either grades 5, 6, 7, or 8 at the time of nomination.
      2. Outstanding student accomplishment may be in one or more of the following areas:
        1. Academics
        2. Visual or performing arts, 
        3. Leadership
    2. Student applicants must submit a composition describing:
      1. The activity or interest area for which the student is being nominated
      2. How the student got interested/involved in the activity
      3. What impact the activity has had on the student and on others
      4. How the student’s future plans and goals have been affected by this activity or interest area
    3. Applicants must include at least one letter of recommendation from someone other than a nominee’s family member, explaining why the student nominee is deserving of the award, what sets him or her apart from other students, and how the nominee is impacting others
    4. If you have any questions, please reach out to Chad Libby, Awards Chair (Subject: MEGT-Star of the North).

     Selection Criteria:

    1. All application materials must be complete and received by the application deadline to be considered.
    2. The student composition will be rated on a 12-point scale.  The four required response areas are worth up to three (3) rating points each.  The composition must respond to the following questions:
      1. What is the activity or interest area for which the student is being nominated
      2. How did the student become interested/involved in the activity
      3. What impact has the activity had on the student and on others
      4. How have the student’s future plans and goals been affected by this activity or interest area
    3. Letter of Recommendation: The Letter of Recommendation will be used to assist in determining a winner when the scores from the composition section are tied. The letter is worth up to three (3) points. The point value builds on the requirements of the previous level.
    1 point Describes the student’s achievements and confirms exceptional abilities.
    2 points Cites unique examples which place the student clearly above other high-ability students.
    3 points States the positive impact the student has had on others, or of a positive future for this student.

    Past Recipients of the MEGT Star of The North Award

    2026
    To be awarded at the annual Midwinter Conference. Nominate a deserving student today! 🎉

    2025
    Celia Pratt, Dakota Meadows Middle School, Mankato Area Public Schools

    2024
    Sydney Hagel, Jackson Middle School, Anoka-Hennepin Schools

    2023
    Sienna Granquist, Stillwater Middle School, Stillwater Area Public Schools

    2023
    Sienna Granquist, Stillwater Middle School,
    Stillwater Area Public Schools

    2022
    Bridgette Sturgeon, Buffalo Community Middle School, 
    Buffalo-Hanover-Montrose Schools

    2021
    Nolan Rabon, Buffalo Community Middle School, Buffalo-Hanover-Montrose Schools

    2020
    No award presented

    2019
    Katelyn Haug, St. Michael-Albertville Middle School East, St. Michael-Albertville Schools

    2018
    No award presented

    2017
    Brady Thomas, Valley Middle School of STEM, Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan ISD 196

    2016
    Sydney Stenger, New Prague Middle School, New Prague Area Schools

    2015
    Christopher Ming, Centennial Middle School, Centennial School District

    2014
    Olivia Huseonica, St. Anthony Middle School, St. Anthony-New Brighton ISD 282

    2013
    Allison Cotrell, Central Middle School, Eden Prairie Schools

    2012
    Seth Thoelke, Delano Intermediate School, Delano Public Schools