Sebey, Teschendorf nominated for ExCEL Award

It can take time for leadership qualities to emerge, but eventually those qualities cannot be hidden.

By nominating Brielle Sebey and Braxton Teschendorf for the Minnesota State High School League’s ExCEL Award, Buffalo High School has granted recognition that neither student was seeking, but both deserve.

The award, which represents Excellence in Community, Education and Leadership, is for juniors who participate in an MSHSL fine arts and/or athletic activity, hold a leadership position in their school, and volunteer in their community, among other stipulations.

“I didn’t really know what [the ExCEL Award] was before now. I thought I was in trouble because they called me to the office,” Sebey said with a laugh. “I was surprised, but I’m grateful for it. It’s like everything I do finally kind of adds up to something.”

“It’s nice to be noticed when you’re doing a lot of different things, get some acknowledgement, and I’m grateful for that,” Teschendorf agreed.

Brielle Sebey
Sebey has been involved in a variety of sports, is a violin section leader that has received three superior ratings in solo and ensemble competitions, and is an active volunteer at her church and in school, where she serves as an orchestra camp mentor. 

“Leadership is less about being in charge and more about inspiring and serving others,” Sebey wrote in her ExCEL essay. “In my community, I try to approach leadership with the same mindset. I look for opportunities to listen, to help, and to contribute in ways that can lift up the people around me.” 

English teacher Madison Miller has recognized that Sebey does so in a manner marked by authenticity. 

“She models the type of integrity that inspires others to become leaders themselves,” Miller said in a letter of recommendation.

In the classroom, Miller noted Sebey’s love of learning.

“Her academic work reflected not only her intelligence, but her curiosity, diligence, creativity, and depth. … She is remarkably self-motivated and manages her responsibilities with maturity and enthusiasm,” Miller wrote.

Sebey’s favorite subjects are math and science, particularly chemistry.

“It’s just kind of fun to see how the world around you actually works,” she said.

As for activities, she manages the cross country and boys basketball teams, and has also participated in golf and volleyball during high school. Sebey is a member of the Student Council, National Honor Society, prom committee, peer tutoring, and the honor roll thanks to her 3.99 grade point average. She is also active in Business Professionals of America, the Tri-M Music Society, and the B1 Leaders student group.

Outside of school, she serves in her church’s Youth Leadership Team and Vacation Bible School, ushers at Buffalo Community Orchestra concerts, provides music and Christmas cards for the elderly, and has packed care packages for cancer patients.

“I just think everyone should feel included and everyone should be nice to those around them,” she said. “Especially in today’s world, that’s something we just really need to have.”

Sebey is the daughter of Derek Sebey and Kristi McLaughlin-Sebey.

Braxton Teschendorf
Teschendorf said his view of leadership changed when “I began finding myself in situations where others started to recognize me as a leader.” Rather than focus on the benefits to himself, “I learned that being selfless is one of the most powerful forms of leadership,” he wrote in his ExCEL essay.

Given his schedule, opportunities for leadership abound. Teschendorf has been a three-season athlete, playing football, wrestling and competing in track and field. He is the treasurer of Student Council, is active in Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the B1 Leaders group, is on staff for the school’s newspaper and yearbook, and along with his 3.98 GPA is a member of the National Honor Society.

He has also been active with the school’s Unified programming, which brings together students with and without disabilities, and helped to plan last year’s Unified Prom.

“The Unified Prom felt like a scene from a movie, and it is an experience I will carry with me for the rest of my life,” Teschendorf wrote of seeing his friends’ happiness that resulted from long hours of planning.

Miller, of the BHS English department, also wrote a letter of recommendation for Teschendorf. 

“His academic work, specifically his writing, reflected not only his intelligence, but his diligence,” Miller wrote. “His curiosity is bold – he asks moving questions that reflect his intellectual and emotional depth. … Braxton seeks growth and understanding – not just grades.”

Teschendorf said his favorite classes have been some of the electives that allow for creative expression.

“I really enjoy ceramics. I really like drawing. And I also had a lot of fun doing welding, just being able to make stuff out of everyday things,” he said.

Miller added that Teschendorf’s consistent empathy makes a noticeable impact when he is present in a classroom or activity. 

“Braxton is a natural leader. His leadership is rooted in authenticity, compassion, and commitment to making things better,” Miller said. “He does not seek titles, but rather impact.”

Teschendorf is the son of Jerold and Shereen Teschendorf.