Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Student Recognitions topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Students and coaches honored at Shakopee board meeting; Soundfest raises funds for instrument program
Summary
The board recognized winter athletic teams and student-led events, including a boys swim state finalist, adaptive floor hockey’s first trip to state, and Soundfest — a student-run music showcase that raised more than $700 for a local Foundation.
The Shakopee Public School District board opened its meeting by celebrating student accomplishments across athletics and the arts.
Coach Alex Craft and Athletic Director Matt Hansen highlighted the boys swim team and a standout named Charlie, who qualified for state finals in the 100 free and 100 breaststroke, set a school prelim record and finished 11th at the state meet. Coach Craft said Charlie "was able to make finals in the 100 breaststroke" and noted the swimmer set a school record in prelims that had stood for 17 years.
The board also recognized the adaptive floor hockey Southern Stars (their first trip to state), wrestling state placers including an undefeated state champion (Kyler), and a boys hockey team that went 22–5 and 14–0 in conference play. Athletic leaders noted co-op arrangements (Nordic and adapted skiing with Burnsville; gymnastics co-op with Prior Lake and Jordan) that expand student opportunities.
Students presented Soundfest, a student-organized music showcase created in band rehearsals to give local musicians performance experience. Student host Nathan Nava described last month’s show and its practical results: "In total ... we raised over $700 and all the proceeds went back to the Foundation," he said. Students and staff said proceeds will support the local instrument-access Foundation, expand student music opportunities, and the district is exploring making the event recurring and possibly outdoors in late May.
Student environmental capstone projects were also highlighted: the 'Avenue of the Graduates' tree-donation idea, a 'Walk for Water' that raised about $1,700 for a well project in South Sudan, and other student service-learning efforts that the board applauded.
Board members thanked students and coaches for their work and noted the educational and community benefits of these programs. No board action was required for the recognitions.
