“Whatever is recognized is what’s important.” In schools it used to be just athletics…letters, trophies, pep fests, etc. Then all activities got recognized, including drama, music, and the arts. Now more and more schools are also recognizing what schools are ultimately accountable for – academics.
At Mankato East High School, in Mankato, MN, it’s a Friday in May. They are following a special schedule to accommodate a program at the end of the day…to honor all the students’ many academic achievements. Friday’s always get a little dicey in May, and when you add in a special schedule, it can result in little focus on school and major attention on the weekend. But that’s not the case today. The Cougars are excited about this assembly program. Their fellow students are going to be honored for all they have accomplished in this year.
The bell rings at 2:10 and students quickly file in to the Auditorium #1. Music is pumping. Parents and awards presenters mingle with the staff. Students quickly find a seat with their friends. The agenda looks huge – 35 items – some are groups and some are individuals. The MaxPreps presentation is #16 on the list. How will they get this done at 3:05 when the final bell rings?
Prior to show time, head football coach, Dave Frisell, MaxPreps representative Larry Merx and Minnesota National Guard Staff Sergeant Jason Hastings gathered with me in the lobby next to the auditorium to set up the display table and the media backdrop. The crash bar on a hallway door clangs as students keep walking by. The emcee calls the program to order and students quickly quiet down. The first award is a memorial scholarship in honor of a student recently killed in a traffic accident. Absolute silence… this is real…this still hurts…this matters.
Mat Schnorenberg receives the first of his many honors this afternoon. Clearly, Mat is someone special in this senior class.
PowerPoint helps a lot, with names and faces. Guests and parents are seated in the first few rows, awaiting their special moment on the program. Art, business education, music, academic letter winners, scholarship winners all get their turn. Then it’s time for #16. Mat Schnorenberg receives the MaxPreps Citizen Athlete Award presented by the National Guard – only one of ten in the country! Even though Mat receives many honors today, this one recognizes not only his school involvement and achievements; it honors his character and leadership and community service.
The bell rings at 3:05, as it does every day. The last award is being presented as the bell rings. What great timing! This was more than a program that shortened all the classes throughout the day. This was a great memory and send off for the seniors… and a major statement to the other students about what matters most at Mankato East High School. This year, Mat Schnorenberg represents what school is all about. CONGRATULATIONS, MAT!