“He brings an amount of energy into our building that you just don’t see,” Boos said.
This Bengals senior was chosen as one of 12 finalists in “America’s Next Great Intern” contest by Rubin – a national competition open to middle school, high school and college students across the USA.
For Asante this is a huge deal. “It’s a really, really great honor to get, Asante said.
Asante was chosen because he is viewed as someone who can eventually be an excellent employee. He is the only candidate from Minnesota and winning this prestigious honor would be lucrative when he goes to Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato.
“A chance to win a $1,000 scholarship if in first place,” Asante said. “If I win second place I get a $500 scholarship.”
“We’re so proud of Elrad here at Blaine High School,” Boos said. “Whether he wins it or not, he’s our number one.”
Boos has gushing praise for Asante and what he means to Bengal Nation.
“What sets Elrod apart is number 1 he’s got the most unique personality maybe in our building right now,” Boos said. “He always leads with kindness. There’s no task you’re gonna assign to Elrod that he’s gonna shake his head at. He will just have a positive attitude and do it.”
Teacher-student bond
Asante and Boos have developed a special teacher-student bond. Boos thinks he has unlimited potential.
Said Boos: “There is nothing that Elrad can’t accomplish once he goes for it.”
“I like to act a little bit unpredictable,” Asante said. “But in a good way.”
One of Asante’s goals is to simply be a good person who uplifts his peers.
“I always want to help others no matter what even if it doesn’t seem I’m capable of doing that,” Asante said. “I always want to bring somebody up and never somebody down.”
The contest to see who is America’s Next Great Intern is being conducted online through April 10th. Asante and Boos both have strong opinions on who people should vote for.
“Vote for Elrad Asante at Rubeneducation.com,” Asante said.
“Vote for Elrad,” Boos said. “Because Elrad deserves it.”
This is the second year that Blaine High School has participated in the America’s Next Great Intern competition. In 2025 Bengal student Jordan Blair was a finalist and finished in third place.
