Volunteers selected for 2026 Coskran Volunteer Awards in District 191 

Six extraordinary volunteers have been chosen to receive the 2026 John Coskran Volunteer Awards in Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District 191.

“Volunteers are such an important part of what makes District 191 ‘Community Strong,’” said Superintendent Dr. Latanya Daniels. “We have an incredible culture of service to others, exemplified by this year’s Coskran Award Winners. I’m truly grateful for them and their commitment to service.” 

Winners will be honored during the Board of Education meeting on Thursday, June 11. 

Recipients of the 2026 John Coskran Volunteer Award are: 

Students:

• Winston Ekstrand, a senior at Burnsville High School, is a vital part of the BrainPower in a Backpack student volunteer corps. He serves as lead Team Captain, coordinating the bag count for weekly delivery to each school location and training incoming captains for next year. He’s also a regular student grant writer, helping BrainPower win several grants worth thousands of dollars to support the weekend meal distribution program. 
• Meena Pothini, a junior at Burnsville High School, has served as leader of the Harriet Bishop Service Club, where she organizes, inspires and empowers elementary students to make a positive difference in their community and beyond. Meena has dedicated hundreds of hours of leadership, including researching potential projects and guiding students through the work that needs to be done. 
• Paige Stone, a senior at Burnsville High School, has volunteered more than 700 documented hours during the 2025-26 school year, and more than 1,900 hours over the course of her high school career. She’s supported a variety of programs, including the school blood drive, middle school student mentorship and native wildlife initiatives. .  

Community:

• Godan Nambudiripad has volunteered as a tutor in the 191 School for Adults since 2021. A retired mechanical engineer and former engineering professor, he’s incredibly effective at helping students strengthen their math, science and literacy skills. He’s known for his passion for helping adult learners and has become a cornerstone of the program.  
• Sharon Nelson is a volunteer who regularly supports the staff and students in the Focus Program at Neill Elementary. She’s known for her willingness to show up whenever she’s needed, for her calm and steady presence, and for how she builds trusting, impactful relationships with students. 

Staff Member:

• Wubet Abraha, a Community Education associate, is a long-time volunteer with food resource programs in District 191, including supporting the 191 Community Pantry by helping with set-up and take-down, as well as food distribution. She also volunteers at special events to help Community Pantry better connect with residents in need. 

This is the 24nd year of the awards, which are named in honor of John Coskran, a long-time advocate for volunteerism who served 34 years at Catholic Charities and retired as associate director in 1993. Mr. Coskran, who also served as a member of the District 191 Board of Education, died in 2014. 

For more information about the award or for information on how you can become a volunteer, go to the district website at www.isd191.org/volunteer.