The Montana High School Association (MHSA) has announced the continuation of its partnership with NorthWestern Energy to present the NorthWestern Energy Academic Excellence Awards. This program, established during the 1988-1989 school year, honors schools across Montana that demonstrate a strong commitment to academic achievement alongside extracurricular activities.
Each year, one champion is selected in each of four classifications—AA, A, B, and C—to recognize schools that excel in balancing classroom success with leadership and participation in various activities. The award aims to highlight those institutions where students are encouraged to pursue excellence both academically and beyond.
NorthWestern Energy supports this initiative as part of its investment in Montana’s future. According to the company, “Through its support of this award, NorthWestern Energy continues to invest in the future of Montana students, recognizing that strong communities are built by students who strive for excellence in everything they do.”
Eligibility for the award is determined by specific guidelines set by MHSA. Grade point averages (G.P.A.) must be calculated on a 4.0 scale and include all classes awarding credit for students in grades 9 through 12 over both fall and spring semesters of the current academic year. The process follows Article II, Section (2), of the MHSA Handbook.
Participants considered for inclusion are varsity letter winners from all MHSA-sanctioned sports, music students who received superior ratings at district festivals (including group members), speech/drama participants at state meets, and varsity cheerleaders. However, averages for students enrolled in Special Education programs are not included.
The application process and information about past winners can be found on the MHSA website.
