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2025 Award of Excellence

The 622 Education Foundation Award of Excellence is a distinction awarded to graduating students who stand out in one or more of the following characteristics: community, courage, imagination, achievement, integrity, and resilience. Watch the video to learn more:


Award of Excellence recipients will be honored during ceremonies at Tartan High School on May 14, 2025, and at North High School on May 21, 2025.


2025 Award of Excellence Ceremony Programs

Click text to view or click button to download program



2025 Award of Excellence Ceremony Recordings



2025 Award of Excellence Ceremony Photo Galleries


2025 North Ceremony Photos – coming soon!


Congratulations to the 2025 Award of Excellence Recipients!

Click student’s name for more information

North High School


Tartan High School


622 Online & 622 Alternative High School

Oscar Barajas

Jakari Swarn

Jakii Swarn 

Jasmine Vue


Your Donations Make the Difference

Since the 622 Education Foundation established the Award of Excellence in 2022, generous donations from community members, organizations, businesses, and 622 staff and alumni have been vital to our ability to offer this program. Please consider a one-time or sustaining donation.

Donation Levels

Future Forward Grant Funder Level $500+: Your name/business highlighted in the program at Award of Excellence events, on our LinkedIn and Facebook pages, and listed on our website with a link to your web page (if desired).

Champion Level $250 – $499: Your name/business listed on the event programs, on our LinkedIn and Facebook pages, and on our website.

Supporter Level: $25 – $249: Your name/business listed in the event programs and on our website.

Ready to make an impact? Click to donate now, mail your donation to 622 Education Foundation, P.O. Box 9310, North St. Paul, MN 55109, or email awardofexcellence@622educationfoundation.com for more information.


Exclusive Award of Excellence Event Sponsorship

For one business or organization looking to maximize the impact of their support, an exclusive Event Sponsorship opportunity is available for $5,000.

Award of Excellence Event Sponsorship benefits include:

  • Event: Your business/logo featured exclusively on all signage and print/digital programs at both Tartan and North Award of Excellence events, and acknowledged from the podium by the event emcee.
  • Social Media: Your organization tagged in all 622 Education Foundation LinkedIn and Facebook posts about this year’s Award of Excellence events.
  • Website: Your logo prominently featured on 622EducationFoundation.com, with links to your website.
  • Additional recognition as negotiated.

For more information about Award of Excellence Event Sponsorship, contact us at awardofexcellence@622educationfoundation.com.


Thank you 2025 Award of Excellence Donors!

Future Forward Grant Funders $500+

Abbott employee

Nan and Paul Drews

Doug and Pam Huntley

Tom and Janet Jacobson

Sylvia and Adonis Neblett

North St. Paul High School Administration

NSPMO Education Association

Premier Banks

Rotary Club of NSP-Maplewood-Oakdale

Don and Cathy Seiford

UpLIFT Training Gym/Karen Schleicher

Champions $250 – $499

Big Frog Custom T Shirts & More

ISD 622 Superintendent’s Cabinet

Eagle Point Elementary Parent Group

Supporters $25 – $249

Ralph and Susie Farnsworth

Kathryn and Peter Gantriis

Mr. & Mrs. Jerome Jordan

Terrence Smith


2025 Award of Excellence Nomination Period Closed Feb. 18, 2025

The Award of Excellence recognizes graduating students who demonstrate qualities that positively impact our community. To be nominated, students must be graduating in spring 2025 from an ISD 622 school – North High School, Tartan High School, 622 Online, The Next Step Transition Program, or Webster Education Center K-12 Program.

Who Can Nominate:

  • Teachers and school staff can nominate graduating students
  • Students can nominate graduating peers
  • Community members can nominate graduating students
  • Businesses can nominate graduating employees
  • Note: Parents/guardians cannot nominate their own child

From STA2RS to a New Tradition of Excellence

The 622 Education Foundation Award of Excellence was established in 2022 as a successor to the 622 Education Foundation’s STA2RS (Students and Teachers Achieving Academic Recognition and Success) award, and continues its commitment to recognizing and supporting student achievement.