Every year the National Joint Powers Alliance in Staples holds a banquet to recognize 48 area high school student as Region 5 Rising Stars. NJPA honored Jennifer Holm and Angela Pederson from Pine River-Backus High School, and Allie Dischinger and Mikayla Horgan from Pequot Lakes High School in 2016.
The goal of the award is to recognize deserving students who don't always receive attention for their hard work. In addition, the banquet seeks to recognize students who overcome adversity.
