Shakopee senior Jessica Menden has been named a 2008 Athena Award winner for Shakopee High School. Menden has earned six varsity letters (five in volleyball, one in track) at SHS.

In volleyball, she was a 2007 Ms. Volleyball finalist, named 2007 first-team All-State, the 2007 all-state tournament team, and to the Star Tribune and Pioneer Press all-state teams. Menden was All-State honorable mention in 2006 and earned four Missota Conference all-conference awards.

She holds the school record in both season and career assists.

Menden led the Sabers to the 2007 Class AAA state volleyball championship. She has earned a full scholarship to Texas Christian University to play volleyball.

Besides volleyball she participates in the National Honor Society, Student Council, and Graduation and Prom committees at Shakopee High School.

Her scholastic achievements include being on the “A” honor roll, a Student of Excellence, 2007 All-State Academic, Missota Conference All-Academic 2004-07 and maintaining a 3.95 grade-point average throughout high school.

The 36th annual Athena Awards will be presented Friday at the Minneapolis Convention Center. The awards luncheon begins at 11 a.m. and offers an opportunity to encourage and recognize the achievements of young female athletes from public and private high schools in the greater Minneapolis area.

Schools select recipients because of excellence in individual or team sports. The Minneapolis Athena Awards Committee will honor 52 senior women this year.

Allie Cronk, Minnesota State High School League girls’ athletic announcer, will be the awards presenter. Tickets can be purchased for the awards luncheon in advance by emailing Pam Lindberg at Lindberg@mpls.k12.mn.us.