Maren Loe and Zachary Martens

AVHS has nominated Maren Loe and Zachary Martens for the MSHSL AAA (Arts, Athletics and Academic) Award. The purpose of the 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 award also elevates academic standards and creates greater awareness of League-sponsored activities and their values. Finally, the award provides member schools of the League with the opportunity to participate in a statewide program that supports, promotes, and recognizes academic and extra-curricular achievements.

Zachary Martens is a member of the Apple Valley High School football, wrestling and track and field teams. He was the captain of the Football team in the fall and will also captain the Boys Track and Field team this spring, a testament to his leadership. A member of the 2011 State and National Champion Apple Valley Wrestling squad, Zachary also qualified for the 2011 state meet as an individual wrestler. A talented singer, Zachary was a member of the Apple Valley Troubadours, the Ragazzo Cantante Choir, the Valley Select Choir and he participated in the Dakota Valley Choir Festival. Academically, Zachary maintains a 3.92 GPA while challenging himself with Advanced Placement courses in history, mathematics, and language composition. His commitment to the community is as impressive. Zachary has given his time to the Valley Athletic Association as a youth coach and has volunteered at Feed My Starving Children. Additionally, he has worked with a Bass Fishing Club to restore habitats and went to New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina, helping the clean-up in the Lower 9th Ward. Zachary is the son of Sean and Brenda Martens.

Maren Loe is a member of the Apple Valley High School Volleyball program. She earned four letters, was named All-Conference for the 2010 and 2011 seasons, was a captain and was selected to the All-State team. Active in the Apple Valley High School band, Maren is a member of the Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band, and the Marching Band. She participated in the MSHSL Solo/Ensemble Contest and was a member of the All-State Jazz Band. A member of the National Honor Society, Math team, French Club, and the South Suburban Conference Leadership group, Maren has earned a 4.0 GPA and is a National Merit Semi-Finalist. In her community, Maren has worked as a vacation bible school leader, a musician for church services, and as a youth ministry assistant. She has also given of her time and talents to Feed My Starving Children and the Ronald McDonald House. Maren is the daughter of Brian and Melissa Loe.