Forty-nine young women, representing St. Paul city and suburban public and private high schools, were recently selected to receive the St. Paul Area Athena Award for outstanding achievement in athletics for the 2023-2024 school year. This year’s honorees capture the significance of empowering females in sports. These high school seniors will be celebrated at a private awards ceremony on Wednesday April 17, 2024, at 11:00 am at Saint Paul RiverCentre, 175 West Kellogg Boulevard, Saint Paul, MN 55102
Among the honored will be Peyton Verdon, NBAHS's 2024 Athena Award winner! Verdon was one of two senior female athletes nominated by North Branch Area High School head coaches, then selected for the honor by coaching staff vote, based on her athletic accomplishments. Peyton earned 4 letters for soccer, and 6 letters for softball, 2 All-Conference awards, 1 All-Section Award and was captain for 2 seasons in both sports.
Soccer team awards she earned include 2x Defensive MVP and Viking Award. In softball, she’s received the Vikings Award twice and was also Defensive MVP. Peyton was part of the 2021 and 2023 soccer section runner-up teams, 2021 softball section champion and state tournament participant, and 2023 softball team section runner up.
The keynote speaker for the Athena Awards Ceremony is Chelsey Falzone, Manager, Youth Engagement / Minnesota Twins. KARE 11 –TV News anchor Randy Shaver will again emcee this year’s ceremony honoring each young woman and her specific achievements.
Now in its 30th year, the St. Paul Area Athena Awards honors female athletes for their dedication and excellence in sports. The Athena Awards Committee is comprised of representatives of St. Paul city and suburban schools, former Athenas, parents of previous award winners, and business volunteers. More information on the program can be found on www.stpaulathena.com.