Albert Lea High School freshmen Nick Walther and Alonso Loya became the first Albert Lea student athletes to qualify for the Minnesota State Weight-lifting championships.

The two lifts are Olympic lifts, which are the snatch and clean and jerk. Walther lifted a combined 78 kilograms in the 50 kg school age (16 and under) category.

Loya lifted a combined 139 kilograms in the 77kg school age group.

They are two of only 42 boys statewide to qualify for the state championships, which will be held in Lakeville on March 13.

ALHS to hold prom dress exchange

Albert Lea High School will host its first prom dress exchange from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday in the high school commons area. Donated prom dresses will be sold for $25 to $50. There will also be local vendors set up displaying their products for Prom 2010.

The event is open to any interested Albert Lea High School students and parents. Student ID cards are required.

People are invited to drop off gently used prom, bridesmaid or evening gowns to the high school office by Wednesday.

Proceeds will go to the Minnesota Coalition for Battered Women.