Balma is named ExCEL Award winner
Tri-City United junior Brandon Balma was named a recipient of the 2019 Minnesota State High School League ExCEL Award.
ExCEL - Excellence in Community, Education and Leadership - is a recognition program designed exclusively for Minnesota high school juniors who are active in school activities, who show leadership qualities, and who work voluntarily in their community.
Balma is the third Tri-City United recipient of the award. Lizzie Christian won it last year, and Erin Budin won in 2015.
The state ExCEL Award recipients were selected by an independent panel of judges from schools throughout Minnesota and announced on the Minnesota State High School League website on February 4.
Balma is the son of Stephanie and Bryan Balma of Lonsdale.
He is the captain of the Titans' wrestling team, plays football, and runs track.
See more in the print edition.