Burnsville High School students honored by Burnsville Beyond the Yellow Ribbon

Twelve students from Burnsville High School were honored for their commitment to serve as members of the U.S. military by Burnsville Beyond the Yellow Ribbon (BTYR) at the May 16 meeting of the Burnsville City Council.

The students include:

• U.S. Marine Corps: Hamdi Abdi of Savage, and Charlton Phan, Kyle Lafaurie, Denisse Garcia Fernandez, Gotti Nolasco-Olesen and Franson Hadley, all of Burnsville
• U.S. Navy: Jose Gabriel Peralta of Savage
• Minnesota National Guard: Michelle Orellana Hernandez, of Savage, and Dillon Basten, Cristian Hernandez, Ashley Gonzalez Tezoquipa, Pastey Larbi and Collins Wendt, all of Burnsville.

Since 2017, BTYR has recognized nearly 100 BHS students for enlisting in the military.

“This is a job you are going to love and hate at the same time," said BTYR Volunteer Coordinator Col. (R) Mike Huddleston. "The military will test you physically and mentally and push you to perform in ways you never thought possible. Military service will also give you the career that you’ve always dreamed of, but not before you’ve earned it."

Mayor Elizabeth Kautz read a city of Burnsville proclamation that honored the students and recognized Military Appreciation Week in the city of Burnsville.

After the City Council meeting, students and their families attended a reception in their honor that was made possible by donations from local businesses.

BTYR is a state-wide network of a diverse group of citizens and community leaders that unite key areas within local communities to recognize and support veterans, service members and military families.