Eastview's Dan Spika Named State ExCEL Award Winner

junior Dan Spika has been named a recipient of the Minnesota State High School League ExCEL Award, according to an announcement from the school.

Sixteen male students and 16 female students in the state receive this award each year. ExCEL, which stands for Excellence in Community, Education and Leadership, is a state program that recognizes high school juniors in Minnesota for their activeness in school groups, leadership and citizenship.

Spika maintains a 3.7 grade-point average, is a cross country team and tennis team member, involved in bands and choirs, National Honor Societies and leadership clubs, and volunteers for adopt-a-highway and , among many other activities and accomplishments.

An independent panel of judges from schools throughout Minnesota selected the state's ExCEL Award recipients from 500 schools throughout the state. Spika was one of three male students in the metro area to be recognized, according to the school's announcement.

Spika and other state ExCEL winners will be recognized on KSTC-TV (Channel 45) during winter state athletics tournaments.