ea newsletter fall 2017

Hello MIAA Awards Inclusion Indianapolis! Night 2017 Symposium debuts Massachusetts May banquet student leaders honors adult and Sessions highlight go national student leaders sports inclusion p. 9 p. 6 p. 3 Building the Future the newsletter of MIAA Educational Athletics Fall 2017 Community service projects highlight four-day event 2017 New England Student Leadership Conference shapes future for high school students ach summer, student-athletes and tivities at the high school and collegiate school activities partici- level. Each day, the students Epants from MIAA member from the participating states schools have the unique oppor- met in State Meeting Sessions tunity to network with students where they worked together to from Connecticut, Maine, develop action plans based on New Hampshire, New York, their conference experience to Rhode Island and Vermont implement at the team, school, at the annual New England community and state levels. Student Leadership Confer- During the closing general ses- ence (NESLC). This year’s sion, groups of students from event marked the 7th annual each state presented these conference, hosted by the action plans to the entire group Massachusetts Interscholastic Student delegates from across the region gathered at Worcester State of conference attendees. Athletic Association (MIAA) at University for the New England Leadership Conference July 25-28. The General sessions took place Worcester State University from event is sponsored by the NFHS Section 1 State Associations. each day where special guest July 25-28, 2017. speakers shared inspirational Over 200 student and adult leaders focused on contemporary issues that messages, stories of overcoming adver- impact a young person being sity and utilizing the power of positive LEADERSHIP a leader and role model. influence. Harvey Alston (Best, Inc.) Sessions on Sportsmanship opened the conference with a presenta- from across the region participated in and Respect; Teamwork and Healthy tion encouraging everyone to give their this year’s event. The curriculum for the Lifestyles; and Positive Values and all throughout the four-day event and to conference included breakout sessions Perspective were presented by adult and “Be The Best.” On Wednesday morning, college facilitators specifically chosen Educational Athletics Briefs for their involvement in athletics and ac- continued on page 2 #MyReasonWhy ories shared by students, and character for the future, and share their #MyRea- parents, coaches, officials but drives a stronger sense There are countless bene- and community members. of self and community that sonWhy story. For more fits to participating in high State associations across the students will feel immediately information, please visit school sports and activi- country are working together and for the rest of their lives. www.nfhs.org/MyReason- ties. The NFHS #MyReason- to show how participation not Students at MIAA member Why. Why campaign highlights only develops individual skills schools are encouraged to diverse stories and mem- participate in this campaign continued on page 2

Student-Athlete of the Month Award NESLC 2017 continued This award is presented continued from page 1 on monthly basis from NFHS Director of Sports Sandy Searcy year, and continued efforts with Cradles September to April to one provided information about the NFHS to Crayons to provide living and school- male and one female #MyReasonWhy Campaign. Students ing essentials to low-income and home- student-athlete who display had the opportunity to participate in this less children in local communities. excellence in the areas Kate McCarthy, Volunteer and Spon- of academics, athletics LEADERSHIP sorship Coordinator for the Be Like Brit and community service. Foundation marveled at the kindness Monthly award winners campaign throughout the conference by and effort of the young volunteers.“The will receive a certificate of creating videos to share their inspiration group was simply amazing, they asked recognition, be featured on and motivation for participating in high great questions about the organization www.miaa.net and be hon- school athletics and activities. Later that and completed each task with a smile. ored at the MIAA Awards morning, Captain Brent S. Bundy, Bravo They went above and beyond for the Be Banquet. Company Commander, Recruiting and Like Brit Foundation, completing projects Retention Battalion of the Massachu- that would have taken us months on Coach of the Year our own. Thanks to your group we were Award able to get all 66 children living in Brit’s Home in Haiti backpacks filled with all This award seeks to recog- the essentials to a successful school nize and honor “teacher year! We can’t wait to work with your coaches” who have had an team again in the future!” impact on the lives of stu- Lynn Margherio, Cradles to Crayons dent-athletes, by encourag- CEO & Founder, was equally impressed ing them to succeed and by and appreciative of the NESLC volun- helping them develop the teers. “Cradles to Crayons is proud to skills or values necessary NESLC facilitators collect essential children’s items to be donated partner with The New England Student or helpful for success in to Cradles to Crayons, a national nonprofit dedicated to serving Leadership Conference as we work to- their later lives. Nominate children in poverty. The Cradles to Crayons initiative is one of several gether toward a shared mission—to posi- your deserving coach by Community Service components of the NESLC. tively impact local children. The clothing, March 30, 2018 at www. shoes, and school supplies donated miaa.net. setts Army National Guard discussed by this summer’s student leaders will the values of leadership and service. allow us to serve 470 children who live Teen Wellness On Thursday, Deb Hult (Core Trainings) in low-income and homeless situations Workshop – inspired students with a message of re- by providing the essentials they need siliency, courage and heart entitled “Why to start the school year with confidence December 1 I Can.” Later that evening, James Orrigo and equipped to learn. These donations (Lad in a Battle) entertained by creating are an impressive example of youth This workshop for high original music and sharing the inspiring coming together to make a tangible school students and adults work he does with pediatric patients and difference in the lives of local children in will include a variety of their families across the country. At the need.” concurrent workshop closing general session, Eddie Slowi- The feedback received from student sessions. Members of the kowski challenged attendees to take participants was very positive. Maggie MIAA Partners in Preven- everything they learned throughout the Sorrentino, a junior at Lenox Memorial tion will feature lessons conference and make an impact when Middle and High School shared the and ideas modeled for your they returned home by being “The Best following thoughts regarding her confer- classrooms and wellness Version of You.” ence experience, “I have truly grown, got- curriculum. Learn more In addition to the curriculum and gen- ten out of my comfort zone, put things about timely issues and eral sessions, one of the most enjoyable into perspective, and have been trying to challenges confronting and rewarding activities of the NESLC be a positive influence over my peers students, as well as ways involved community service projects that and in my school. I really enjoyed creat- to help reinforce making took place at various locations through- ing the State Action Plans, as I felt that I healthy life choices. For out the greater Worcester communi- was making a difference in my state and more information please ty. The projects included working with among my peers. Furthermore, I pushed visit the “Conferences” link the Be Like Brit Foundation, ensuring myself to be a large part of the group, at www.miaa.net. under-privileged kids in Haiti have the necessary supplies to start the school continued on page 11 2 Building the Future Fall 2017

MIAA/MSSAA host inaugural Inclusion Symposium he Inaugural MIAA/MSSAA Inclu- sion Symposium was held May 19, T2017, at the MIAA Office in Frank- lin, with 80 school leaders attending. The symposium, offered by the MIAA/ INCLUSION SYMPOSIUM MSSAA Inclusion Committee, was de- signed to further the committee’s goal of fostering diversity among member schools by promoting inclusiveness, awareness and acceptance. Inclusion Symposium panelists included Katrina Gerhard, left, who competes for the University of Attendees were welcomed by Inclu- Illinois; Mikayla Chandler, center, a junior at Old Rochester Regional High School, and Josh Winsper, who sion Liaisons Mike Rubin and Rachel competes at Bridgewater State University. Moo, both MIAA Assistant Directors. MIAA Inclusion Committee members sessions. time U.S. Paralympian and President of served as facilitators for the concurrent Committee Member Joe Walsh, two- Adaptive Sports New England, facilitat- ed a panel entitled “Including Student Athletes with Visual or Mobility Impair- MIAA postings will list “grandfathered” coaches ments on Your Interscholastic Team.” Panelists included Para Sport athletes ember school Certified Coaches (i.e., coaches who have completed the from the high school and college levels “Fundamentals of Coaching” clinic and then taken and passed the on- and Paralympic Gold Medalist Jerome Mline NFHS and MA State exams) are posted on the Coaches’ Education Singleton, Jr. web page, and can be sorted by school and by last name. Committee Members also facilitat- Many schools ed the following sessions: “Promoting have requested Healthy Outcomes for Transgender Grandfathered Students,” by Jeff Perrotti, Director, Safe Coaches to be listed on the MIAA website. Grandfathered Coaches, via MIAA Schools Program for LGBTQ Students, Rule 33, are coaches: Massachusetts Department of Elemen- 1. Hired as a coach prior to 8/1/98, and tary and Secondary Education; “The 2. A Certified Teacher and hired as a coach between 8/1/98 and 7/1/05. Power of Sport to Impact Society,” by Beginning this fall, member school Athletic Directors will be asked to send Dr. Dwayne B. Thomas, Ph.D.; “Race the names of Grandfathered Coaches at their school to the MIAA Office, using & Cultural Diversity in Interscholastic the following format: Athletics and our Schools,” by Dr. Carroll School – Coach’s Name – Date of hire (Month/Year). Blake, Executive Director, Achievement Any coaches who change schools will need to have the school Athletic Direc- Gap, and “Inclusion through Unified tor contact the MIAA Office for update/corrections. Sports,” by Mary Beth McMahon and To access this information, please visit the Coaches’ Education page at Patti Doherty of Special Olympics, Mas- www.miaa.net. sachusetts. The following dates for the “Fundamentals of Coaching” class have been “The first Inclusion Symposium was scheduled: successful,” said Moo, “And we hope to November 15, 2017: Somerset Middle School (Rm#9), 4:00pm–8:00pm build on that success.” February 22, 2018: MIAA Office in Franklin, 10:00am–2:30pm Rubin added, “The Symposium was a April 19, 2018: MIAA Office in Franklin, 10:00am–2:30pm truly wonderful start to the implementa- June 21, 2018: MIAA Office in Franklin, 10:00am–2:30pm tion of our inclusion program and we are Anyone interested in attending these classes can sign up at http://www.miaa. looking forward to hosting our first Inclu- net/miaa/conferences. Classes are listed individually for registration. Please sion Summit for students in January.” check frequently, as new classes will be added throughout the year. Watch www.miaa.net for details about upcoming Inclusion events. Building the Future Fall 2017 3

MIAA Student Advisory Committee ready for 2017-18 n preparation for the 2017-18 school year, the members of the recently se- Ilected 2017-18 MIAA Student Advisory Committee participated in an orienta- tion retreat on August 16 and 17. The orientation provided an opportunity for the students to get to know each other and work together to prepare for their service on this important Association committee. The two-day event began with a bus trip to the Cardinal Cushing Center in Hanover, MA to volunteer at a track and The 2017-18 MIAA Student Advisory Committee pose for a picture at their first meeting in September. field day hosted by Special Olympics The group will meet throughout the school year to plan initiatives, provide student feedback and serve as Massachusetts. The Student Advisory workshop facilitators. Committee members were divided into small groups and worked together to will be utilized when the students par- leadership journey. assist at activity stations such as the tur- ticipate at events such as the seasonal A total of 19 students were selected bo javelin, softball toss, 100 yard dash, MIAA High School Captains Workshops to serve on the MIAA Student Advisory basketball and long jump. At the conclu- and the Wellness Summit. Committee for the 2017-18 school year. The final portion of the two-day Following the New England Student LEADERSHIP training focused on goal setting Leadership Conference in July, interest- and establishing group stan- ed participants had an opportunity to sion of the event, an award ceremony dards. At the conclusion of the closing submit an application to serve on the was conducted to honor the participat- session, the students received blue committee. Interviews were conducted ing athletes and individual medals were MIAA polo shirts that they will wear at during the second week of August and presented by members of the Student the MIAA Educational Athletics events final selections were made during the Advisory Committee. throughout the school year. A group pho- week prior to the orientation retreat. Following the event at the Cardinal to was then taken to commemorate the Please see below for a list of the com- Cushing Center, the students returned to training and the beginning of the group’s mittee members: the MIAA Office during the early after- noon to begin a series of team building activities. Communication, teamwork Aza Keohan, Acton-Boxborough Regional High School and goal setting were the themes of the Nassim Ali Ahmad, Bedford High School training sessions as the students navi- Jaime Ruiz, Burncoat High School gated a series of challenges designed to Noelle Roy, Chicopee High School facilitate the growth of important skills Owen Norton, Durfee High School essential to the function of the commit- Shemaiah Samson, East Boston High School tee as a whole. At the conclusion of the Emerson Scott, Fitchburg High School day of hard work, the students travelled Steven Luttazi, Franklin High School to the Holiday Inn Express in Milford, Katelyn Pickunka, Hampshire Regional High School MA to check into the hotel, enjoy dinner Kinsley Rolph, Hopkinton High School together and participate in games that Elijah Friedman, Millbury Jr/Sr High School evening. Brandon Hapgood, Minnechaug Regional High School The next morning began with training Makenzie Mosher, Narragansett Regional High School sessions designed to prepare the stu- Hadley Beauregard, North Middlesex Regional High School dents for the role that they will play as Mikayla Chandler, Old Rochester Regional High School workshop facilitators at MIAA Education- Ryan Malkowski, Quabbin Regional High School al Athletics events throughout the school Katie Watts, Swampscott High School year. A review of the workshop training Morgan McCarty, Uxbridge High School curriculum and practice sessions were Richard Darkwa, West Springfield High School conducted as the students learned im- portant presentation skills. These skills 4 Building the Future Fall 2017

MIAA Endowment Golf Tournament conducted July 31st he third annual MIAA Endowment Golf Tournament, held First Place Team - Team Ritchie July 31st at the Plymouth Country Club brought together John Burnheimer, Adam Fiander, Bobby Linskey and Sevi Teducational athletics leaders and friends to support the Ritchie MIAA Endowment Fund. Second Place Team - Team Pearson The MIAA Endowment Fund supports participation in MIAA Jim Harlor, Richard Pearson, Larry Sheehan, and Shawn Tier- Educational Athletic programs for student-athletes and their ney adult leaders through subsidies. Last year the fund sent 41 Longest Drives participants to the Sportsmanship Summit; 17 to Coaches’ Men - Richard Pearson, MIAA Associate Director Education classes, 13 to the Inclusion Symposium, and 12 to Women - Melissa Dlugolecki, Arlington Athletic Director the Opioid Crisis workshop. Closest to the Pin “This year, with supporters like our golfers and sponsors, Mike White we should have an increase in fund distribution, allowing even This year’s tournament offered an MIAA League Compe- more people to attend MIAA events,” said MIAA Assistant tition, which pitted league-based teams against each other. Director Phil Vaccaro, Liaison to the Endowment Committee. Four teams competed in this category, and the winning team, The weather smiled on the 118 participating golfers, who from the Tri-Valley League, featured Ted Currle, Norton High School; Matt Gillis, Westwood High School; Rob Pearl, Medway High School, and Eric Scott, Medfield High School. Other Endowment Events coming up include the second LEGENDS Evening, scheduled for June 25, 2018, and Endow- ment Games. “We thank all those that support the Endowment Commit- tee’s effort to promote the values of Educational Athletics,” Vaccaro said. Leadership workshops set for November The MIAA will offer morning workshops for both middle school and high school girls this fall at the MIAA Office in Franklin. Learning to Lead for 8th and 9th grade girls will be held Monday, November 20, 2017. Female Leadership: Enhancing Your Potential for high school female stu- dent-athletes will be held Tuesday, November 21, 2017 Both workshops feature Motivational Presenter Deb Hult of Core Trainings™ and interactive, participant-driven sessions encouraging learning. One of the foursomes participating in the MIAA Endowment Golf Tournament July Learning to Lead is designed to encourage young 31st was, from left: Ryan Gendron, Arlington High School Football; Avery Esdaile, women to think about their own leadership potential and Boston Public Schools Athletic Director; Melissa Dlulgolecki, Arlington High explore their possibilities, and to prepare them to take School/Endowment Committee Chair, and Jack Owens, Boston Latin School on leadership roles as they enter high school. Female Leadership focuses on strengthening high school girls’ were treated to extra competitions throughout the round, leadership skills and helping them develop into women of such as a Baggo Toss and Putting Contest, thanks to the character within their schools and communities. competition sponsors. Other sponsors supplied gifts and raffle Cost for attending either workshop is $40 per attend- prizes and/or sponsored tees, lunch and dinner. ee, and school teams are encouraged to attend. The Tournament Co-Chairs Jackie MacMullan and Steve Burton workshop fee includes Continental Breakfast at 8:30 a.m. assisted throughout the tournament preparation. MacMullan and a light lunch at noon. donated copies of her book Shaq Uncut: My Story, auto- For more information please contact Ethel Kawesa at graphed by both Shaquille O’Neal and MacMullan. Gordie [email protected]. To register, visit www.miaa.net and Gronkowski--brother to Patriots player Rob--won the putting click on “Conferences.” competition. Gordie was kind enough to donate a football and game shirt, autographed by Rob, for the auction. Building the Future Fall 2017 5

MIAA Awards Banquet held May 25th at the Doubletree Hotel, Milford he MIAA Awards Banquet was held so I had to step aside. But each of these May 25, 2017 at the Doubletree people had a role on my teams; they THotel in Milford. The banquet were important in their own ways.” expanded this year to include awards Recipients of the MIAA Coach of the previously presented at the MIAA Annual Year Award are: Meeting. Boys Swimming & Diving The program began with a welcome Jeff Johnson, Acton-Boxborough Re- from MIAA staff and dinner and then gional High School moved into the individual awards and Boys Tennis guest speakers. John Geilfuss, Bedford High School One of the speakers, Tyler Keohan, Boys Basketball is a student-athlete at Gettysburg Tony Gannon, Clinton High School College and previously served on the Girls Tennis MIAA Student Advisory Committee. Sara (Gigi) Meehan, Cohasset Mid- She addressed the different aspects of dle-High School diversity she had encountered in her Girls Basketball John LeVangie, Cohasset Middle-High LEADERSHIP School Boys Soccer COACHES’ EDUCATION Ray Pavlik, Concord-Carlisle High MIAA’s Student-Athletes of the Month for the 2016–2017 academic year received their plaques at the MIAA Awards School Banquet May 25th at the Doubletree Hotel, Milford. This award is presented on a monthly basis to one male and one female years participating on sports teams, Girls Cross Country student-athlete who display excellence in the areas of academics, athletics and community service. pointing out sometimes the diversity of Jim Hoar, Dennis-Yarmouth Regional motivations and goals among individual High School Boys Golf team members can be challenging. “I’ve Boys Lacrosse Al Selden, Southwick-Tolland Regional played with players who were ‘forced’ to John Todd, Hingham High School School play, who were burnt out when I was get- Girls Volleyball Softball ting excited for a collegiate career,” she Michelle Perrone, Lynnfield High Gary Mullins, Turners Falls High said. “I’ve been a young player on teams School School where the older players didn’t care and Football Girls Swimming & Diving expected play, and an older player on Timothy Morris, Melrose High School Caitlin Klick-McHugh, Westford teams stocked with young, good players Boys Cross Country Academy who expected nothing, worked for every- Steve Beckwith, Nashoba Regional thing and were, frankly, better than me, High School Recipients of the MIAA Student-Ath- Girls Soccer lete of the Month are: Carl Tarabelli, Needham High School September 2016 Girls Lacrosse Lilli Patterson, Lynnfield High School Meredith Frank McGinnis, Notre Greg Plunkett, East Bridgewater Jr./ Dame Academy Sr. High School Field Hockey October 2016 Leanne Roy, Oakmont Regional High Elizabeth Sweeney, Pioneer Valley School Regional School Boys Indoor Track Jack Lamirande, St. Mary’s Parish Fernando Braz, Peabody Veterans School Memorial High School November 2016 Gymnastics Sarah Dockham, Methuen High Heather Fulginiti, Shrewsbury High School School Jacob LaBranche, Nauset Regional Boys Ice Hockey High School Steve Turnblom, Shrewsbury High December 2016 School Nicole Lento, Assabet Valley Regional Girls Ice Hockey Vocational Technical High School Tyler Keohan, past MIAA Student Advisory Frank Panarelli, Shrewsbury High Grant Gualtieri, Douglas High School Committee Chair, spoke on the many dimensions School January 2017 of diversity and leadership in sports at the MIAA Baseball Caroline Kenney, Lincoln-Sudbury Awards Banquet 2017. Ken Tocci, Silver Lake Regional High High School School William Olsen, Cape Cod Academy 6 Building the Future Fall 2017

MIAA Awards Banquet held May 25th at the Doubletree Hotel, Milford Wellness news, highlights and previews he MIAA Educational Athletics staff is excited to announce its 2017-2018 lineup of Wellness programs and initiatives! Please visit the wellness page Ton the MIAA website (www.miaa.net) regularly for updates and additional information. 21st Annual Wellness Summit: Friday, October 27, 2017 Doubletree Hotel, Westborough MA he Wellness Summit will include 12 concurrent workshop sessions, a keynote presentation, a resource exhibit area, and award presentations Trecognizing both individuals and groups who are making a difference in schools and in their communities. Workshop topics will include Social Emo- tional Learning, Drug/Alcohol Safety, Stress Reduction and Happiness, Healthy Relationships, Student Leadership, Understanding Eating Disorders, Concussion Safety and Sports Specialization. Schools are encouraged to register both adult and student leaders. The registration fee is $55.00. Five professional devel- opment hours will be awarded upon completion of an assessment evaluation. MIAA’s Student-Athletes of the Month for the 2016–2017 academic year received their plaques at the MIAA Awards Register now at www.miaa.net. Banquet May 25th at the Doubletree Hotel, Milford. This award is presented on a monthly basis to one male and one female student-athlete who display excellence in the areas of academics, athletics and community service. Wellness Workshop Series 2017-18 February 2017 MIAA’s 2017–2018 Wellness Workshop Series will feature the following work- Sharice Nazaire, Pope John XXIII High shops: Teen Wellness, December 1, 2017; Wellness Educator Showcase, School January 10, 2018; Social Emotional Learning, February 14, 2018; Coaching the Scott Peary, Northeast Metropolitan Female Athlete, March 19, 2018; Mindfulness and Positivity, April 11, 2018, and Regional Vocational High School Supporting Trans & Gender Non-Conforming Students, May 14, 2018. Please March 2017 find flyers and registration opportunities at www.miaa.net. Alexandra Nelson, Foxborough High School 2nd Annual Opioid Abuse Prevention Conference: Craig Rich, Jr., Shawsheen Valley Wednesday, December 13, 2017 Technical High School Doubletree Hotel, Westborough, MA April 2017 Elicia Vazquez, Putnam Vocational Technical Academy he Opioid Abuse Prevention Conference will include 12 concurrent work- Nicolas Antonellis, Milford High shop sessions, a keynote presentation and a resource exhibit area. Work- School Tshop topics will include The Nature of Addiction, Signs and Symptoms of Use, Supporting Students, Preventing Prescription Opioid Misuse in Student-Ath- Other awards presented were: letes, Community Coalitions, Changing through Meditation and Yoga, Talking with Youth about Marijuana, Teen Brain Development and Personal Recovery National Federation of State High Stories. Schools are encouraged to register both adult and student leaders. The School Associations (NFHS) National registration fee is $55.00. Five professional development hours will be awarded Coach of the Year: upon completion of an assessment evaluation. Track & Field - Outdoor (Boys) George McCabe, East Bridgewater So You’re A Leader...Now What? Junior/Senior High School hese workshops for high school students and adult leaders feature lead- NFHS Section 1 Coaches of the Year: ership development, communication, problem solving, action planning Boys Soccer Tand substance abuse and teen dating violence prevention. Please visit the Ian Doreian, John D. O’Bryant School wellness page on the MIAA website for specific dates or contact the Education- of Math & Science al Athletics staff for additional information or to schedule a workshop for your Boys Basketball school or region. The registration fee is $30.00 Brad Simpson, Wakefield High School continued on page 10 continued on page 10 Building the Future Fall 2017 7

INTERsections Coaches’ Education The Massachusetts Interscho- lastic Athletic Association Leadership encourages its member schools to teach Educational Athletics Sportsmanship through the following five pillars: Community Service constituents re ect Wellness: on the many intersecting facets to empower students to Wellness make healthy life choices of MIAA Educational Athletics Why I believe in Educational Athletics Sportsmanship: #My Reason Why to teach respect for self, team, opponents, officials, rules, and the game itself by Ryan Ford evolved around my passion to play and Educational Athletics Committee Chair to learn everything I could about the Coaches’ Education: game; as well as my dream to earn a to provide resources for t was the summer of 1984. I had scholarship and play college basketball. teacher-coaches who just graduated from high school and That is where my story takes its root and Iwas returning to the St. Bonaventure why my senior year became a bitter- serve as curriculum University basketball camp—a camp sweet time for me. instructors of educational I had attended every summer since I Heading into my senior season, my athletics was in 3rd grade. Only this time it would team was regarded as one of the best in be different. I would be working as a Western NY State and I earned several Leadership: opportunities to play college basketball, including scholar- to promote the power of ship offers from some schools positive influence that here in New England. By the student athletes and end of January, my team was teacher-coaches share as playing great, and I was trying role models to decide between Bentley and Stonehill to fulfill my goal of playing college basketball. In Community Service: an instant, that all changed. to recognize the privilege In the middle of a game, while of athletic participation making a simple pivot, I tore a and the responsibility ligament in my left knee and needed major surgery to repair of giving back to the it. My season would end and community my scholarship hopes and college opportunities would be put on hold. If I were to have a future playing basketball, it Building the Future is the Edu- would be dependent on getting cational Athletics newsletter of my knee healthy again. the Massachusetts Interscho- When I was asked to share lastic Athletic Association. It is my story to the 400 campers, published three times per year. Ryan Ford’s handwritten notes for his 1984 speech to initially, I wasn’t sure what to campers at St. Bonaventure University Basketball Camp. say. My knee was immobilized and Editorial Staff: my future was very uncertain. But Peter Smith counselor and was being asked by St. when I when I started to organize my MIAA Associate Director Bonaventure’s head coach to share “my thoughts, my message became very story.” clear. In fact, that same message has Linda Taylor Basketball was incredibly important continued to shape my life and happens MIAA Support Staff to me. In fact, at that time in my life, I would say it was my identity. My life continued on page 9 8 Building the Future Fall 2017

Student Leaders Participate in NFHS National Student Leadership Summit ix student leaders from MIAA The summit utilized a train the trainer conference attendees and staff traveled member schools traveled to Indi- concept in which student ambassadors to Plainfield High School to participate Sanapolis on July 17-19 to partici- from the respective states and provinces in a community engagement event with pate in the National Federation of State participated in a series of four workshop Special Olympics Indiana. Students part- High School Associations (NFHS) Nation- sessions focused on Relationship Build- nered with Unified athletes in a variety of al Student Leadership Summit (NSLS). ing and Maintenance; Effective Commu- activities including basketball, kickball, This three-day event was conducted at nication with Teammates and Adults; baggo, and bocce. The event concluded the Hyatt Regency in downtown India- napolis and hosted over 150 student leaders from across the United States and Canada. INTERsections, continued continued from page 8 to be the very foundation of my advocacy for Educational Athletics. Simply put, the game of basketball has been one of the best educations I have ever received! As a 17-year-old senior in high school who had let his life be defined by the Members of the MIAA Student Advisory Committee pose for a picture outside NFHS headquarters during the game, I was forced to awaken to a new National Student Leadership Summit. reality in flash of a moment. And what I realized as I prepared for this camp lecture is that the passion, perseverance Perspective and Inclusion; and Digital with a pizza party for all participants. and grit that I developed playing basket- Identity (How to Create a Positive One Following a very successful three ball were actually skills that I could apply and How to Repair a Negative One). days, NFHS Director of Sports and to any adversity in my life. They were In addition to the workshop sessions, Student Services and NSLS Co-Director instilled in me by my coaches, my team- attendees were motivated by the pre- Elliot Hopkins said, “I was extreme- mates, my family and my genuine love sentations of two keynote speakers. C.L. ly pleased with the group of student for the game; and they would be skills “Shep” Shepherd, founder of Keep The ambassadors this year. These young that I would grow to rely on for years to Change Inc., a non-profit organization people were really on top of their games come. devoted to empowering pro and college and very established. I was stunned at I am thankful that I kept the handwrit- athletes through chaplaincy and men- the level of maturity and self-awareness ten outline I used to guide me as I spoke toring, kicked off the event during the these students had.” to those campers that summer: (see opening general session with a personal The Massachusetts student ambassa- graphic on page 8) story of overcoming adversity. During dors who attended the NSLS will serve What I thought then was attitude; I the closing general session, Monica Pool as members of the MIAA Student Advi- know now is passion. Knox, head of Global Talent Manage- sory Committee for the 2017-18 school What I thought then was discipline; I ment at Microsoft, provided strategies year. For additional information about know now is perseverance. for achieving success. the MIAA Student Advisory Committee, What I thought then was work ethic; I On the second day of the event, please see the article on page 4. know now is grit. They are three key ingredients to personal success and happiness no matter what your dreams and goals are. They are three skills that everyone can develop in their life no matter what their challenges. I was very fortunate to learn this early in my life and will always be indebted to the game of basketball be- cause of it. It is why I believe so strongly in Educational Athletics and take pride in serving the MIAA. Building the Future Fall 2017 9

MIAA Awards Banquet 2017 honors student athletes and adult leaders continued from page 7 Boys Indoor Track & Field tendent, Agawam Public Schools, and Service, Massachusetts Recipient 2017: Roger Fuller, Methuen High School MASS Representative to the MIAA Ice Joseph Doyle, Educational Leader and Softball Hockey Committee, 2013-present. former Head Football Coach at Hoosac David Reid, Montachusett Regional Valley High School. Vocational Technical School NFHS Spirit of Sport Award, Massa- Girls Swimming & Diving chusetts Recipient 2017: Barbara Toohey, Hanover High School Jonathan Peters, Sturgis Charter School East, who started a program fo- Wellness news, MIAA Distinguished Service Awards: cused on creating an accepting environ- highlights and The John E. Young Award ment in high school athletics for diversi- previews Brian McNally, Andover Public ty, especially as it relates to marginalized Schools, K-12 Health and Physical Edu- groups and anti-bullying rhetoric. continued from page 7 cation Program Coordinator You LEAD Distinguished Service Award NFHS Heart of the Arts Award, Massa- William Gibbons, MIAA Girls State chusetts Recipient 2017: These workshops are designed Tennis Director, 1985-present. Stephen Massey, Music Department for middle school students and John Monz, Track and Cross Country Chair of Foxborough High School’s adult leaders. Workshops feature Coach, Weston High School, 1979-pres- award-winning music department, leadership development, communi- ent, and President, Massachusetts State 1971-present. cation, role playing, problem solving, Track Coaches’ Association (MSTCA) action planning and substance William P. Sapelli, former Superin- NFHS State Award for Outstanding abuse and teen dating violence Fall Captains and Coaches set prevention. Please visit the well- ness page on the MIAA website for specific dates or contact the MIAA goals at MIAA workshop staff for additional information or to schedule a workshop for your school he seasonal MIAA High School Cap- in a full group discussion led by MIAA or region. The registration fee is tains Workshop took place at the staff members Peter Smith and Phil $30.00. TMIAA Office on Monday, August 21. Napolitano. Milford High School Athletic Team captains and coaches participated Director Peter Boucher facilitated the Opioid Mis-Use in a series of workshop sessions de- final session of the day entitled “The Pil- Prevention Toolkit signed to address the topics of sports- lars and Powers of Leadership.” During manship, teamwork and leadership. the session, students were challenged In collaboration with many Part- ners in Prevention organizations, the MIAA has developed a toolkit of prevention materials including vid- eos and handouts for parents and students that can be used in a vari- ety of arenas, including preseason meetings and parent forums. These resources are available by clicking the Prevention Toolkit link on the wellness page at www.miaa.net. Workshop facilitator Peter Boucher, Athletic Director, Milford High School, interacts with a high school To learn more about MIAA sport captain at the Captains Workshop on August 21. Wellness programs, please contact Karen Nardone, MIAA Wellness The day began with a motivational to evaluate their leadership styles and Coordinator at 508-541-7997 or presentation entitled “The Role of the the leadership roles that they play within [email protected] or Carolyn High School Captain,” by Daniel Switch- their teams, schools and communities. Bohmiller at 508-541-7997 or enko, Professor at Eastern Connecticut Additional High School Captains Work- [email protected]. State University. During the second shops are scheduled on December 8 session of the workshop, attendees and March 2. Please visit www.miaa.net addressed concepts of teamwork in for additional details. small groups and then participated 10 Building the Future Fall 2017

Student Ambassador Huddle Student October 20th will collect socks Sportsmanship for homeless shelters Essay/Multimedia Contest seeks entries IAA Student Ambassadors socks” to help celebrate the Huddle’s attending the first Huddle of the theme. s we go to press with Building M2017-2018 school year on Oc- The Student Ambassador program the Future, the entry deadline tober 20th at the MIAA Office in Franklin seeks to provide students from each Afor the Annual Sportsmanship will accept the “Socktober Challenge” MIAA member school with the opportu- Essay/Multimedia Contest is upon as the Huddle’s Community Service nity to become involved and educated in us. Entries close at noon Friday, the Association, as well October 13, and the winners will be COMMUNITY SERVICE as develop leadership honored at the 23rd Annual MIAA skills. MIAA member Sportsmanship Summit on Friday, schools are asked to appoint or elect up November 17. to three students, across varying grades, The theme for this year’s contest to serve as their school’s Ambassadors. is “The Authentic Athlete,” and the Regular communication regarding prompt is: How can you support Association news, events and opportu- nities is sent to the Ambassadors. Once SPORTSMANSHIP registration information is received, each student will receive an MIAA Student teammates to be their best while Ambassador Tournament pass, mailed being true to yourself? Be sure initiative. October is the month of World to the school address, which will allow to define what being authentic Homeless Day (October 10th), and socks them access to tournament games and true to yourself is and what it are the most needed but least donated throughout the season. means to you. article of clothing in homeless shelters. For more information on the MIAA Both written and video entries are Ambassadors are asked to bring sock Student Ambassador program, please welcome. First place prize is $400 donations and to wear a pair of “crazy visit www.miaa.net. and Runner-Up is $200, for each category (literary and multimedia). Annual Leadership Training Institute set Contest winners will present their entries as honored guests at the for January 22-26 Summit. he annual MIAA Leadership Train- alcohol, tobacco and other drug preven- Submit your entry to education- ing Institute is scheduled for Janu- tion, wellness, student leadership and [email protected], and look for Tary 22-26, 2018. This week-long, sportsmanship. The curriculum includes information about the Sportsman- residential training has been conducted Reducing Alcohol, Tobacco and Other ship Summit at www.miaa.net. for over 30 years and is designed to Drugs through School Activities; Staff enhance school programming related to Training and Development; Enforcing Rules for Effective Prevention; Design a NESLC 2017: “An Amazing Experience” Successful Preseason Meeting; Plan and continued from page 2 Conduct Leadership Workshops; and Re- sponding to Student Problems. There is share my ideas, and present them, in no cost for participants, as all materials, front of my peers. Being the sole repre- training, meals and overnight accommo- sentative from my school, I also pushed dations will be provided free of charge. myself to make friends, and those I did Participation in the program requires the make, I have been talking to constantly. high school principal and/or supervisor’s I have had such an amazing experience, signature on the application to assure and I am so grateful.” that the applicant can make a full five- The NESLC and participating state day commitment to the program and is associations thank the following orga- free from school responsibility for the nizations for helping to make this event week. Space is limited in this program. possible – Council of New England Sec- Individuals interested in this valuable ondary School Principals’ Association, professional development opportunity National Federation of State High School NESLC Facilitators, from left, Katrina Gerhard, are encouraged to contact the MIAA Associations, Massachusetts Army Na- Shawn Roseen, and Hayden Bryant were on hand Educational Athletics staff or submit the tional Guard, Team IP and Jostens. to greet student leaders as they arrived. application found at www.miaa.net. Building the Future Fall 2017 11

Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association 33 Forge Parkway Franklin, MA 02038 Upcoming Events All events are at the MIAA Office unless otherwise indicated. October 27, 2017 December 1, 2017 Wellness Summit Teen Wellness Workshop @Doubletree Hotel, Westborough 8:30am-1:30pm 8:00am-1:30pm December 8, 2017 November 17, 2017 High School Captains Workshop Sportsmanship Summit 8:30am-1:30pm @Gillette Stadium 8:30am-1:30pm December 13, 2017 Opioid Abuse Prevention Conference January 12, 2018 November 20, 2017 @Doubletree Hotel, Westborough Student Ambassador Huddle Learning to Lead 8:00am-2:00pm 9:00am-1:00pm for 8th and 9th Grade Girls 8:30am-12:30pm December 18, 2017 January 22-26, 2018 You Lead Conference/Middle School Leadership Training Institute November 21, 2017 8:30am-1:30pm Enhancing Your Potential February 2, 2018 8:30am-1:00pm January 10, 2018 Massachusetts Girls and Women Wellness Educator Showcase in Sports Day 8:30am-1:30pm Visit www.miaa.net/miaa/conferences for a complete listing of events. 12 Building the Future Fall 2017