NIck Hansen and Olivia Pauly are 2024 AAA AWARD Honorees

Seniors Nick Hansen and Olivia Pauly are the 2024 Saint John’s Prep recipients of the “Triple A (Academics, Arts and Athletics) Award” by the Minnesota State High School League.  According to the MSHSL, the purpose of this program is to recognize and honor high school seniors who have excelled in the classroom, on the athletic field, and in the fine arts. The two will be honored at the Section 5A Triple A Award Banquet on January 17.

Nick is the son of Denise and Greg Hansen of St. Joseph. He is the brother of Isaac ’19 and Holly ’22 Hansen. While attending Saint John’s Prep, Nick has been a member of the varsity cross-country, track and field, Nordic ski and soccer teams. He serves as a captain of the Cross Country and Nordic ski teams. Nick Hansen has been involved in band, focusing on percussion. He is a talented ceramicist and enjoys creating pieces of pottery in the Saint John’s Prep art studios. Nick is also a captain of the SJP Robotics team. Nick is a member of the National Honor Society and has served on Student Council. Outside of his school activities, Nick is a member of Duck’s Unlimited. He is a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and serves as an altar server, lector and Eucharistic minister.

Nick is an all-state cross country athlete who appeared in three state cross country championship meets. He finished in 3^rd place at the 2023 meet at the University of Minnesota’s Les Bolstad Golf Course in November. Nick is a 2023 State Class A State Champion as a member of the 4x800m relay team for Saint John’s Prep. Individually, he earned 5^th place at the state meet in the 3200 race. He also competed in the 2022 state track and field championship meet.

Nick plans to pursue a STEM major at a college that has competitive track and cross country programs.

Olivia Pauly is the daughter of Jill and Jonathan Pauly of St. Cloud. She is the sister of Sofia Pauly ’27. Olivia has been a member of the varsity cross-country, track and field, Nordic ski and soccer teams at Saint John’s Prep. She serves as captain of the cross country team. Olivia is also a member of the mock trial team and the yearbook committee. She is a dedicated artist who enjoys creating pottery, painting with acrylics, and sketching with pencil. Olivia competes in MNTA piano competitions and has earned superior ratings in both performance and theory. Olivia is a member of St. Mary’s Cathedral in St. Cloud where she has served as an altar server.

Olivia is the 2023 5A Cross Country State Champion. She earned her first place title in November at the University of Minnesota’s Les Bolstad Golf Course. Olivia has appeared at three state track and field championship meets. In June, she finished in 6^th place overall in the 1600 meter race.

In December Olivia signed her NCAA Division 1 letter of intent with the University of St. Thomas where she will join the track and field and cross country teams. She’s considering majoring in business with a minor in German.

Both Nick and Olivia have been students at Saint John’s Prep since sixth grade. They are proud members of the Class of 2024 and will graduate with their classmates on May 24, 2024 at the Saint John’s Abbey and University Church.

Criteria for the Triple A Award include:  Exhibit citizenship and be a respected individual in their home communities and school, have participated in a MSHSL-sponsored athletic program and fine arts activity, maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and comply with the MSHSL’s Student Code of Conduct.