Eastview High School Senior Receives Award for Overcoming Obstacles

An senior is one of four area students given an Accepting the Challenge of Excellence award—presented to seniors who have overcome great physical, emotional or social obstacles—this year by the the Minnesota Valley Exchange Club service organization.

Anthony Metz was presented his award and the accompanying $100 check on Tuesday at Eagan City Hall. Metz has Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and uses an electric wheelchair.

Anne Scholen, a counselor at Eastview High School, said Metz has had to work harder than most students to achieve the things he has achieved.

Metz has taken at least two honors or advanced placement classes each year at his high school, Scholen said. This year, he's taking AP statistics and AP psychology and physics.

"Tony has not let his disability get in the way of participating fully in school life outside of the classroom, as well," she said. "He has been a member of the chess club, and has even been employed to teach a beginner's chess club in the district. He also served as a manager for the Eastview wrestling team, a position with great responsibility...."

Metz and his family have also been involved with the Muscular Dystrophy Association and participated in his church youth activities.

From the four A.C.E. awardees, the exchange club will choose one to enter in district competition. After that comes the state level, then national competition, where the winner receives a $10,000 scholarship.