NDHSAA Drake-Anamoose High School junior Zack Volson is named the 2024-25 NDHSAA Distinguished Student Award winner for both his involvement in extracurricular activities and as a registered official.

JAMESTOWN – Zack Volson has always charted his own path in life, and now the Drake-Anamoose High School junior has passed another milestone along his journey. On Wednesday, Volson was named the 2024-25 NDHSAA Distinguished Student Award winner out of six semi-finalists.

“I felt a sense of accomplishment and joy that I was overwhelmed with,” said Volson on being named the winner. “Through what I have done in sports such as football, basketball, golf and through organizations like speech, FBLA, drama and 4H, I left Jamestown knowing that what I do is making a recognizable impact on my community.”

According to the North Dakota High School Activities Association (NDHSAA), the award is designed to recognize young people who are the “backbone” of extracurricular activities. The program guidelines state, “not necessarily the leader, but the individual whose participation in high school activities strengthens the program for participants, the school and the community.”

Volson was selected from six finalists including runner-up Martin Bergstedt, of Enderlin High School. The other five finalists for the award included Sadie Aamodt, Larimore High School; Brooklyn Hager, Rugby High School; Laela Jensen, Hettinger High School; and Scout Woods, Wahpeton High School.

Following the award ceremony, Volson spoke to the impact the award will have on him.

“My own path is finally being paved,” said Volson. “I can’t wait to see how this opportunity allows me to grow as a leader and become a role model for future leaders. An exciting year is ahead for me.”

As the recipient, Volson receives a $2,000 scholarship to the college of his choice, from Farmers Union Insurance, who co-sponsors the program. Bergstedt will receive a $1,000 scholarship as runner-up, and each of the remaining semi-finalists receives a $500 award.

Other Minot-area students nominated for the award included Tukker Fedje, Bottineau; Grace Bock, Des Lacs-Burlington; Anne Stroklund, Kenmare; Emma Hamilton, Stanley; and William Artz, Westhope.

Each high school principal is encouraged to nominate a student from his or her school for the program. Those students must each be a junior and participate as a player, manager, statistician or other role in at least one NDHSAA sponsored activity.

Volson is the first student from Drake-Anamoose High School to win the award. Other Raiders to be named semifinalists include Mason Lemer in 2021-22, Alyssa Becker (Anamoose High School) and Michael Mack (Drake High School) in 2006-07 and Josalyn Buxa (Anamoose High School) in 2005-06.