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MSBA awards Westonka student-representative $3,000 scholarship; student highlighted for leadership and club revival

3412116 · May 21, 2025

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Summary

The Minnesota School Boards Association honored Mason, Westonka’s student representative, with a $3,000 Robert E. Meeks scholarship; MSBA directors recognized his academic record, student-government work, community engagement and role reviving the Unified Club and participating in the high-school remodel planning group.

Kirk Shido, executive director of the Minnesota School Boards Association, and Melinda Sohoney, an MSBA board director, presented a Robert E. Meeks Student School Board member scholarship to Mason, the district’s student representative, at the May 14 board meeting.

MSBA awards the scholarship to only three student representatives statewide; the scholarship award provides $3,000 to the recipient for postsecondary education. Melinda told the board a committee of five MSBA directors selected the three winners from nearly 50 applications and recognized Mason for his strong academic record, involvement in student government, community engagement, multiple sports and leadership in reviving the school’s Unified Club, which supports students with disabilities.

Melinda said Mason also co-founded a landscaping business and served on the Western Westonka core planning group for the high-school remodel, offering classroom-layout ideas intended to create more inviting learning spaces. The high-school principal provided a letter of recommendation praising Mason’s representation and school contributions.

Board Chair noted the district’s appreciation for the student voice at the table and the board and MSBA presented the award during a brief ceremony. Mason also gave a short student-senate update at the meeting covering prom, DECA competition results and student activities.

The MSBA scholarship program, established in 2009, aims to encourage student involvement in school governance and to recognize student contributions to local school boards.