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Chisago Lakes junior Zachary Vrudny is a 2007-08 Minnesota State High School League ExCEL Award winner. The ExCEL program rceognizes students for their Excellence in Community, Education and Leadership. He was recognized in a ceremony at the halftime of the boys' basketball game Tuesday, February 26.

To be eligible for the ExCEL Award, students must:

• be juniors in high school

• be making satisfactory progress toward graduation requirements

• participate in a MSHSL-sponsored fine arts or athletic activity

• hold a leadership position in their school

• work voluntarily in their community

• and meet Minnesota State High School League general eligibility requirements.

Vrudny, son of Michael and Melissa Vrudny of Lindstrom is a three-sport athlete, participating in basketball, soccer and baseball.

He is currently the President of the CLHS PBIS (Personal Behavior Intervention Support) Team. He is a member of the National Honor Society, the Knowledge Bowl team, and has participated in band.

He is active in volunteer service as a Community Partnership Project Leader, IMPROV Discussion Group Leader, Children FIRST Club Session Leader, Middle School Youth Mentor and Drug Education Booth manager.

Zacharey has been chosen as one of Minnesota's 2008 ExCEL Award Recipients. He will be introduced and presented with a plaque during an On-Court Award Ceremony during the Girls Basketball State Tournament at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 15. Profiles of award recipients will be aired throughout the broadcast of the tournament on Channel 45, and will be posted on the Minnesota State High School League website.

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