U.S. Rep. John Kline honored two Savage residents with Congressional Certificates of Special Recognition at the “Star of the North” ceremony Thursday at the Lakeville Area Arts Center.

“The Star of the North is designed to publicly recognize the extraordinary acts of service performed by Minnesotans in the 2nd District,” said Kline. “This longstanding tradition of generosity is one of the many reasons we have earned the reputation of being 'Minnesota Nice.'”

Kline honored Vera Gromoff, a nurse who uses her annual vacation time to travel overseas and help children in orphanages. Before Gromoff embarks on her mission trips, she hosts gatherings at her home to raise money and gather items to give to the children.

Kline also honored eighth-grader Anika Agerlie for raising the money to make and purchase more than 100 stuffed animals, which she donated to the Burnsville Police Department. For her efforts, she won a $50 Visa card, which she plans to donate to charity.