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Sartell Today
By the People, for the People
St. Cloud Optimist Club honors 12 top area high school athletes
Annual banquet celebrates standout students in athletics, academics, leadership and community service.
Apr. 7, 2026 at 9:37pm
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A cubist interpretation of the Optimist Club's annual celebration honoring standout student-athletes from across the St. Cloud area.Sartell TodayThe Central Minnesota Noon Optimist Club recognized 12 exceptional high school athletes from the St. Cloud area at its annual Honor Athletes Celebration on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. The event, held at the Boy Scouts of America building in Sartell, Minnesota, honored students who excel in athletics, academics, leadership and community service.
Why it matters
The Optimist Club has carried on the tradition of celebrating outstanding local student-athletes since 1948, aligning with the organization's mission to support and uplift young people in the community. This annual banquet shines a light on the well-rounded achievements of these deserving high school seniors.
The details
The 12 honorees included two athletes each from St. Cloud Tech, St. Cloud Apollo, St. Cloud Cathedral, Sauk Rapids-Rice, Sartell, and St. Cloud Christian high schools. While most of the recipients were able to attend, Cathedral senior Griffin Sturm, who is currently playing junior hockey with the St. Cloud Norsemen, was unable to be present, with Cathedral's activities director accepting the award on his behalf.
- The annual Honor Athletes Celebration took place on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.
The players
Kiera Florek
A senior at St. Cloud Tech High School.
Brady Thompson
A senior at Sartell High School.
Andres Sandoval
A senior at St. Cloud Tech High School.
Ryan Karls
A senior at St. Cloud Apollo High School.
Jenna Jansky
A senior at Sartell High School.
Madison Miller
A senior at Sauk Rapids-Rice High School.
Lucy Heringlake
A senior at St. Cloud Apollo High School.
Andrew Moorlag
A senior at St. Cloud Christian High School.
Bayley Schneider
A senior at St. Cloud Cathedral High School.
Corrielle Baumgartner
A senior at St. Cloud Christian High School.
Clayton Handeland
A senior at Sauk Rapids-Rice High School.
Griffin Sturm
A senior at St. Cloud Cathedral High School who is currently playing junior hockey with the St. Cloud Norsemen.
What they’re saying
“We are thrilled to recognize these students who excel in athletics, academics, leadership and community service. Part of our mission is to celebrate the lives of young people in our community. We applaud this year's athletes for the difference they are making in the world.”
— Aaron Hammer, Optimist Club President
The takeaway
This annual Optimist Club event highlights the well-rounded achievements of top high school student-athletes in the St. Cloud area, celebrating their excellence in sports, academics, leadership and community service. The recognition underscores the club's longstanding commitment to supporting and uplifting local youth.