Jessica Moore, far left in the photo at left, and Devin Haase, are this year’s Triple A winners at Blue Earth Area.

This year’s Triple A Award winners from Blue Earth Area High School are seniors Jessica Moore and Devin Haase.

Moore is the daughter of Daniel and Lora Moore of Blue Earth while Devin is the son of Ben and Stacy Haase, also of Blue Earth.

The Triple A Award recognizes students for their excellent achievements in academics, art and athletics.

To be eligible for the award, a student must maintain a grade point average of 3.0, or higher. They must also be active in Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) sponsored fine arts and athletic activities.

Moore plays saxophone in the band and violin in the orchestra. She has also competed in the MSHSL Art Show and an art show at the Red Rock Center in Fairmont.

She was involved in basketball from fourth grade through her junior year.

“I learned a lot from being out for basketball,” Moore says. “I learned to persevere through tough times even when we did not reach our goals. It increased my grit and toughness.”

Moore is also a member of the National Honor Society, the peer-helping group and has also been a member of the Knowledge Bowl team.

“My grades are mostly A, A-minus and B-plus,” she notes. “I am taking three college-level courses this year and I took one last year.”

She shares her typical weekday morning begins with rolling out of bed at 7 a.m.

“Except for days that we have Jazz Band practice,” Moore clarifies. “I also try and find time to work out with Elizabeth Stallman who runs the weight room program.”

Moore is also pretty well known in the area as a member of the Blue Dirt Road band but she also shares her musical talents in other ways.

“I give violin lessons,” she says. “My youngest student was a second grader and my oldest was a ninth grader.”

Her love of music has resulted in her being a member of the Honor Band and Honor Orchestra in Mankato.

She has excelled at solo and ensemble contests as a member of both small and larger groups in addition to her participation as a soloist.

“My proudest musical accomplishment was on a violin solo I played at contest,” she says. “I got a perfect 40 out of 40 score from the judge.”

Upon graduating from BEA, Moore plans on attending Minnesota State University in Mankato and majoring in marketing with a musical emphasis.

“I am also hoping I will be able to participate in the MSU Pep Band and the Chamber Orchestra while I am at college,” she adds.

Haase has played the bass in orchestra since fifth grade and is a three-sport athlete competing in cross country, basketball and tennis.

He carries a 3.6 GPA, is a National Honor Society member, is on the Knowledge Bowl team and is a member of the peer-helping group.

“I am also a member of the Business Professionals of America (BPA) club,” Haase adds. “And I am on the robotics team.”

Like Moore, Haase has made the most of the opportunity to take college courses while still in high school.

“I took one course my junior year,” he comments. “This year I am taking five online college courses and one at the school.”

Haase does not have any in-person classes in the mornings this semester so he spends his time in the media center working on homework.

“I am also a teacher’s assistant in math,” Haase says. “I have basketball practice in the afternoon and then quite often head to Mankato to work out at ETS Performance which is a sports and fitness training center. Some days I have robotics.”

Haase plans to attend Dakota State University in Madison, South Dakota and major in cyber security.

“I am hoping to be able to compete on some intramural sports team during my college years,” Haase notes.

Moore and Haase both feel thankful for the education they have received at Blue Earth Area.

“The teachers offer great support and help,” Moore says. “They are easy to approach when you need help.”

Haase agrees and adds, “I also appreciate all of the coaches and their abilities. They have helped me become more confident and helped me be a leader.”

It is that ability to build relationships with her teachers and friends that Moore feels has made a big difference in her life.

“It has helped me come out of my shell,” she remarks. “I have become more confident and more of a leader.”

While they say they like all of their teachers, Moore and Haase each have their favorite.

“Mr. Koenig is my favorite,” Moore states. “He has been my orchestra teacher since fifth grade and he makes it fun while helping us improve.”

Haase’s favorite teacher is no longer at BEA, having retired a couple of years ago.

“Tom Plocker had a way of making math fun,” Haase remarks. “It was the same way when he was my cross country coach. He always had these games that made practice fun.”

While academics, arts and athletics consume much of these two seniors’ time, they both stress the importance of spending time with their families and having other outlets to occupy their time.

“I will watch TV shows or movies with my family or hang out with my friends,” Haase says. “I also take time to coach kid’s basketball.”

“I love hanging out with my horse and other animals,” Moore comments. “My mom is an author and I have found that I love to write.”

BEA’s Triple A winners had some final advice for the younger students still in school.

“I would encourage kids to try things, whether it is a sport or being part of a music group or some other kind of group,” Haase says. “It will give you a great opportunity to make new friends and you just might discover something that you like.”

“And if you are struggling, don’t take yourself so seriously,” Moore concludes. “You are not defined by one test or one solo. Have fun and be willing to ask for help from a teacher or one of your peers.”