Congratulations to Fridley High School’s (FHS) 2025 Minnesota State High School League Triple “A” (Academics, Arts, and Athletics) Award winners, seniors Mya Karsten and Aidan Andler!
Each year, the award honors two senior students who have excelled in the classroom, athletics and fine arts. Both Mya and Aidan are standout students who have challenged themselves academically at FHS while simultaneously maintaining extensive involvement in extracurricular activities.
MYA KARSTEN
Fridley High School senior Mya Karsten has been recognized with the prestigious Triple A Award, an honor given to students who excel in academics, athletics and the arts. For Karsten, this award represents years of dedication, perseverance and a strong support system that has helped her succeed.
“I feel so honored and happy to win the Triple A!” said Karsten. “Knowing that my hard work and dedication in academics, athletics and the arts is getting recognized is something that I feel is so special to myself and the people who have supported me throughout the whole journey.”
“Mya Karsten is a role model in every aspect of her involvement at Fridley High School,” said Siena Olson, music teacher and band director at Fridley High School who wrote a letter of recommendation for Karsten. “Mya embodies dedication, resilience, and a commitment to uplifting others, which makes her a standout leader and a valued member of the Fridley High School community.”
Karsten has been part of Fridley Public Schools her entire life, first attending Hayes Elementary before eventually moving on to Fridley High School. One of the things she loves most about FHS is its close-knit community.
“There’s a genuine feeling of belonging, no matter what you may be involved in,” she said. “The students and staff are always working together to create an environment where you feel valued and connected.”
As a student in the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, Karsten has faced academic challenges, but she credits the rigorous coursework with preparing her for life after high school.
“The IB program has been one of the most challenging things about high school, but it has prepared me so much for my plans after high school,” she said. “Putting in the hard work and asking for help when I need it has allowed me to be successful.”
Throughout her high school experience, Karsten has felt supported by her peers, teachers and teammates. She recalls moments when others showed up to celebrate her achievements—whether it was teachers attending her softball games or basketball teammates coming to her band concerts.
“It means so much more than just saying ‘good luck,’” she said. “It shows their genuine support and how much they care about me succeeding in all areas of my life.”
Being involved in multiple extracurriculars has shaped Karsten into the person she is today. From jazz band to student council to sports, she has learned valuable skills in time management, teamwork, and leadership.
“Juggling jazz band, class, student council and sports practice on a typical school day requires prioritization and using my time effectively,” she explained. “I’ve developed discipline and learned the importance of focus—skills that help me succeed in every environment.”
Looking back, Karsten has some words of wisdom for her younger self.
“I would love to tell my younger self to not fear the judgment from others because you’re involved in something they think is ‘weird’ or ‘uncool,’” she said. “Doing the things you love is not only going to bring you true joy and happiness, but showing the people around you the good in each area will bring more kids who need that role model to do the same.”
As Karsten prepares for her next steps after high school, she carries with her the lessons, friendships and experiences that have made her time at Fridley High School so special. Winning the Triple A Award is just one reflection of her hard work and there’s no doubt she will continue to make an impact in everything she does.
AIDAN ANDLER
Fridley High School senior Aidan Andler has been named a recipient of the prestigious Triple A Award, recognizing his dedication to academics, athletics and the arts. For Andler, this honor represents years of hard work, perseverance and the support of his school community.
“It feels amazing to be recognized because it has been something I’ve been thinking about since the very beginning of high school,” Andler shared. “All of my trials and lessons have been building up in the background towards this award and they’ve finally paid off.”
Andler joined Fridley Public Schools in third grade, starting in Ms. Schroeder’s class at Hayes Elementary. Looking back, he remembers that first year fondly—not only because of new experiences but also because it’s where he met fellow Triple A Award winner, Mya Karsten.
One of Andler’s favorite aspects of Fridley High School is the wide range of opportunities available to students.
“I love the amount of opportunities you have at Fridley,” he said. “I was able to meet people from all over and experience many unique and fun classes like woodworking, web design and band.”
He also appreciates the school’s size, which allowed him to be active in academics, sports, and the arts year-round. “That isn’t always possible at other schools,” he noted.
Andler’s academic journey included a mix of International Baccalaureate (IB) coursework and the Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) program. While he only took one IB class before transitioning to college courses, he credits the IB experience with preparing him for the rigor of higher education.
“IB did help me prepare for college-level courses and played a significant role in my success in PSEO,” he said.
“Aidan has taken incredible difficult and challenging courses to set him on a path of future
success,” said Dan Wold, auditorium manager for the school district, who wrote a letter of recommendation for Andler.
Andler has felt deeply supported by the Fridley High School community, especially through his involvement in plays, pep band performances and sports teams.
“There has always been a great level of support that I have felt from students, teachers and coaches,” he shared. “Whenever I encountered difficulties, they were there to help me and when it came to sports, they were always looking out for ways that I could improve.”
Through academics and extracurricular activities, Andler has learned the value of perseverance.
“My experiences have molded me into the person I am today through many tribulations, but they taught me to keep moving forward and to continue giving my best effort in everything I do,” he reflected.
Facing both easy and difficult moments in school and sports has helped him build resilience and a strong work ethic—qualities he knows will serve him well in the future.
If Andler could go back and give advice to his younger self, he would remind himself to slow down and appreciate the journey.
“Time goes by so fast and while I am proud of all my hard work, at times I felt like I was growing up too quickly,” he admitted. “Life isn’t a race—try and find ways to enjoy it while you can.”
As Andler prepares for his next chapter, his time at Fridley High School has given him not only academic and extracurricular experiences but also lifelong lessons in resilience, dedication and gratitude. Winning the Triple A Award is a well-deserved recognition of his efforts and there’s no doubt he will carry these lessons forward into the future.