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Mason Schools mark Veterans Day, honor state‑champion teams and community veterans
Summary
At its regular meeting, the Mason City School Board paused for Veterans Day recognition and recognized student athletes — the girls tennis team’s ninth straight state title and the ultimate Frisbee program’s third consecutive mixed title — with veterans and student leaders describing service and the teams’ experiences.
Mason City School leaders opened their regular meeting with Veterans Day acknowledgments and a series of community recognitions, honoring a Purple Heart recipient and two state‑champion athletics programs.
Superintendent Dr. Cooper introduced a video and a surprise visit honoring John Looker, a U.S. Army veteran, Purple Heart recipient and 2023 inductee into the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame. "It was just so special… it meant so much to me to just have him come out," Looker said, describing both his wartime service and two decades of local veterans' advocacy. Tracy (school staff) told the board the district’s choir, cheerleaders and an American Legion honor guard surprised Looker at his home to serenade him on Veterans Day.
The board then recognized the Mason High School girls tennis team for its ninth consecutive state championship. Coach Mike Reid described the program’s depth and continuity and introduced seniors and underclassmen who reflected on the run: one senior said the team’s approach was to “keep working hard and believing in yourself,” and several players described injuries, team support and what the streak means for the program.
Dr. Cooper also invited the ultimate Frisbee team and its captains to the podium after the board noted the program’s third straight mixed state title; captains described the program’s inclusivity and the challenge of recruiting more female players.
The presentations combined student reflections, coach remarks and community thanks; the board and administrators encouraged families to attend upcoming events and congratulated the teams and veterans before moving into the evening’s business.
