The power of They went to Are YOU a Leader? Community Indianapolis! Service Wellness Workshop Mass SAC members poses question SAC members give attend NFHS for high school back at Orientation leadership event students pp.6—7 p.5 p.11

Building the Future the newsletter of MIAA Educational Athletics Fall 2015

Inaugural Event Draws 134 Participants Endowment Golf Tournament a Success

he Educational Athletics their star luster to the event were: Endowment Fund is a Dante Scarnecchia, former Of- relatively new initiative; fensive Line Coach and Assistant Tits aim is to raise funds to allow Head Coach, New England Pa- full participation in Educational triots. Athletic programming offered by Andy Brickley, Bruins the MIAA. On Monday, August and NESN Color Commentator. 10, 134 golfers played in its first Peter Roby, Athletic Director event—the Endowment Celebri- at Northeastern University. ty Golf Tournament at Plymouth Kathy Delaney-Smith, Head Country Club. Women’s Basketball Coach, Har- “We exceeded our goal,” said vard University. MIAA Assistant Director Phil This foursome, known as “Middlesex League,” consisted of, from left, Mike Bob Lobel, host of “Legends Vaccaro, who serves as Endow- Boyages, former AD at Wakefield Memorial High School; Patricia Ruggiero, with Bob Lobel,” and former ment Committee Liaison. “I AD at Melrose High School; Mike Lahiff, AD at Watertown High School/ sportscaster for WBZ-TV. MIAA Board of Directors, and Jim Davis, AD at Belmont High School Celebrity dinner guests were former ple—tee sponsors, competition ticipation in our education-based Steve Nelson and Bill Johnson. sponsors, and companies that programs by the first of the year.” The foursome who took first donated shirts. Companies really Vaccaro said to watch www. place consisted of Richard Pear- rallied around to help us exceed miaa.net for posting on how son, Jim Harlon, Larry Sheehan, our goal. schools may apply for program- and Shawn Tierney. was ecstatic because of the result “We are hoping to start funding ming discounts or subsidies. Second place honors went to and because of all the great peo- some of our student athletes’ par- Celebrity golfers who added the team comprised of Brian Fly-

Educational Athletics Briefs continued on page 3

Essay Deadline For more information about presented on a monthly basis in grades 9-12 who attend Approaches the Summit, see page10. September through April to MIAA member schools The MIAA Sportsmanship one male and one female are eligible to receive the Summit November 20th will Student-Athlete student-athlete who display award. Monthly award once again feature an Essay/ of the Month Awards excellence in the areas of recipients will receive a Multimedia Contest. Deadline The MIAA Student-Athlete academics, athletics and certificate of recognition, for entries is October 16. of the Month award is community service. Students continued on page 2 Endowment Fund Golf Tourney be featured on www.miaa. Educational Athletics Endowment Fund continued from page 1 net, and be honored at the nn, Robert Paul, Jack Pin and John Steacie. annual MIAA Coach of the plans “Legends” Evening in June For a list of tournament sponsors and addi- Year and Student-Athlete tional information, please see the Education of the Month Recognition he MIAA Endowment for the American Football League What: Based Athletics Endowment Fund page on Banquet. Nominations may Fund Committee is plan- and then the Boston Patriots. He the MIAA website. MIAA Educational Athletics be submitted by principals, ning a gala evening event served 28 years in the Navy and Vaccaro said the Second Annual MIAA Endowment Fund “Legends” Night athletic directors, teachers, Tat Gillette Stadium on June 16, Naval Reserve, retiring with a rank Endowment Celebrity Golf Tournament is coaches, guidance 2015. The evening will celebrate of Captain. He was the first in- When: scheduled for August 8, 2016. Please watch counselors or other several figures from the world of ductee into the Winchester Sports www.miaa.net for details. school administrators. sports in the Commonwealth, and Foundation Hall of Fame. June 16, 2016 Nominations must be hopes to raise funds for student Doug Flutie, of Natick is fa- Where: received by the last day Sportsmanship: SPORTSMANSHIP of each month and will Gillette Stadium The Only Way to Win remain in consideration Members of the North Middlesex Regional High School baseball team receive the SAVE THE DATE! for each month that the Awards for teams, Sportsmanship Alliance of Massachusetts (SAM) Baseball Award at prior to the award is presented. individuals game against the Baltimore Orioles on June 23, 2015. The North Middlesex helped lead the Huskies to the team was honored for their season-long commitment to sportsmanship including initiatives Student Broadcast 1995 National Championship he MIAA Sportsmanship with the Jimmy Fund and Coaches vs. Cancer. Program Workshop with an undefeated 35-0 record. Award “The Only Way to October 21 She was on the 1996 Olympic Win,” allows coaches, ath- A Student Broadcast gold-medal team and played in letic directors, game officials Collaborative workshop November 5th seeks Program morning the WNBA for seven years. Lobo Tor school administrators to nominate to help administrators in preventing youth suicide workshop will be held at parlayed this stellar career into a individuals or teams to be recognized the MIAA on Wednesday, role as a basketball analyst and for outstanding acts of sportsmanship. IAA is teaming with the Massachu- Studies & Co-Director of the Suicide and October 21. Watch motivational speaker. She retired Recipients of this award receive a letter setts Secondary School Administra- Prevention Center at Nova Southeastern Uni- www.miaa.net for more from the WNBA in 2003. of recognition and a certificate from the tors’ Association (MSSAA); Screen- versity. He is an internationally recognized information and a flyer/ athletes and Educational Athlet- mous for his “Hail Mary” pass Dana Barros, from Boston, MIAA. Winners will also be featured in Ming for Mental Health (SMH), Wellesley Hills; expert on school crisis and youth suicide, and registration opportunity. ics adult leaders to subsidize their as Boston College quarterback was the Seattle Supersonics first- Building the Future. Riverside Trauma Center, Needham, and the has authored five books on the subject. The MIAA will be creating a attendance at MIAA Educational against Miami in November of round draft pick out of Boston Nomination forms can be found on Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Additional presenters will include: Student Broadcast Program Athletics programs where neces- 1984; he won the Heisman Tro- College in 1989. During the years the Sportsmanship Page at www.miaa.net. Secondary Education (MDESE) to provide a • Meghan Diamon, Youth Programs Man- Advisory Committee; sary. phy that year. He went on to play 1993—2002 he played with Phil- workshop at MIAA/MSSAA focusing on the ager, SMH, students and advisors According to MIAA Assistant for the NFL and several Canadian adelphia, Boston and Detroit, re- • Joanna Bridger, Riverside Trauma Center, wishing to participate are Director and Endowment Fund League football teams. At Natick spectively. He joined the Celtics • and Anne Gilligan, MDESE. asked to email Associate Liaison Phil Vaccaro, the list of High School, Flutie was an All- a second time at the end of the WELLNESS Participants will be able to: Director Sherry Bryant Massachusetts sports world lu- League athlete in football, bas- 2003—2004 season and retired • Identify protective factors & programs to at [email protected]. minaries to be honored includes: ketball and baseball. at the end of that season with Ethics administrator’s role in preventing youth sui- prevent youth suicide. Harry Agganis (1929—1955, Tom Glavine, a Concord na- 8,901 points (an average of 10.5 Integrity cide. The workshop is scheduled for November • Learn the legal lessons from cases where Educational Athletics posthumously), known as the tive, entered the National Base- points per game). Barros had been Sportsmanship 5, 2015 from 8:30 am to 3:00pm. schools were sued following a youth suicide Achievement Award “Golden Greek,” was a bright star ball Hall of Fame in 2014 after a four-year starter in basketball at The Only Way to Win! Featured Presenter Scott Poland, EDd, is • Understand the relationship between The MIAA Educational on the sports scene before his un- 23 years in Major League Baseball. Xaverian Brothers High School a professor at the Center for Psychological school shootings & suicide and the most com- Athletics Achievement timely death due to a pulmonary A lefty, Glavine pitched for the in Westwood. He now works for mon motivations for murder suicide Award allows coaches, embolism. He was a baseball and New York Mets and the Atlan- the Celtics in the Media Relations • Understand the complex relationships be- athletic directors, other football star at Boston University, ta Braves, including two games Department and offers NBA anal- tween bullying & other risk factors and suicide school staff and game and later served in the Marines, with the Braves during the 1995 ysis and insight on NESN Daily. • Develop a comprehensive best practices officials to recognize playing those sports at Camp World Series victory over the Also scheduled for the evening model for prevention, intervention and post- student-athletes, coaches, Lejeune, North Carolina. He is Cleveland Indians. His careers is a presentation to former MIAA vention in schools or teams for outstanding in the College Football Hall of in both baseball and hockey at Executive Director Dick Neal for The Following dates for the “Fundamentals of Coaching” class have been scheduled: • Make the connection and alignment to acts in relation to one or Fame, and Agganis Arena at Bos- Billerica Memorial High School his lifetime commitment to Ed- emergency management, to safe & support- more of the five pillars ton University is named in his earned him a draft spot for both ucational Athletics. Neal retired October 24, 2015: Putnam VTHS, Springfield, 9am—1pm ive learning environments, legislation, policy, of Educational Athletics. honor. The Agganis Foundation at the professional level. in 2013 after 34 years of service. November 7, 2015: Reading Memorial High School, 8am—noon protocol and practice. Nominations may be also honors his memory with Rebecca Lobo was the state November 9, 2015: Norwell High School, 8am—noon MIAA partnered with MSSAA last spring submitted anytime to college scholarships to deserving scoring record-holder with 2,740 November 23, 2015: Andover High School, 4am—8pm to offer a comprehensive Teen Mental Health Assistant Director Rich student-athletes. points in her high school career Conference at the DoubleTree Hotel in Mil- Riley at [email protected]. Joe Bellino, of Bedford, won for Southwick-Tolland Regional Anyone interested in attending these classes should sign up at http://www.miaa.net/ ford which was well attended and well received. Look for photos of previous the Heisman Trophy in 1960 High School. She was heavily re- For more information and regis- miaa/conferences. Classes are listed individually for registration. Please check frequent- recipeints in this issue. playing for the United States Na- cruited, and chose to attend the tration details, keep watching www. ly, as new classes will be added throughout the year. For registration for the November 5th Con- val Academy. He went on to play University of Connecticut. Lobo miaa.net. ference, please visit www.miaa.net/conferences 2 Building the Future Fall 2015 Building the Future Fall 2015 3 Voices of Young Leaders Voices of Young Leaders continued from page 4 SAC members reflect on their experiences at NESLC, everything I thought I knew about leadership the distance I’ve come since my time a year All in all, the summit flew by so quickly, and had been expanded upon. The chance to have before, and the growth from the relative shell was packed with so many phenomenal leaders the National Student Leadership Summit, and life new speakers from all over the country was of a person I was then to who I am now. and role models, it would be easy to think it incredible and some of their messages were The NFHS Summit summarized in one was all just a marvelous dream. friends with so many students from across ining of the MIAA Student Ambassador pro- things I had never heard before. word would be surreal. Coming straight off The Student Advisory Committee Orienta- by Kyle Morris, the country—students from Kentucky, South gram. I believe the Ambassador program can One speaker in particular was really import- of NESLC, the summit felt really short, and tion was a blast. I unfortunately had to miss the Senior Returning SAC member Dakota, and even Hawaii. What connected be a great tool for not just the MIAA but for ant to me. Speaker and former college bas- fun-packed. It also felt good to be a delegate orientation last year, so this was technically my Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical High School us was playing sports and showing leadership each individual school as well, enabling the ketball player Omari Pearson led small group again; to go through the two-hour swing that first run through. (I don’t think Facetiming in within our schools, towns, and communities. MIAA to have representation in every school sessions on the importance of being aware on starts in the slightly awkward stage of walk- from Florida counts as attending). The group ESLC in my opinion is one of the One of the main courses taught at the na- and allow for a more direct contact between social media and how you can use it to help ing in with your luggage and waiting with trip to Stonehill Farm broke any awkwardness most important events that the tional conference was the use of social media student athletes and athletic directors, as well you reach your career goals, not hinder them. anticipation, to walking out of the opening that existed in the group. As members worked MIAA puts on. Attending it as a and how it could either greatly enhance us as as student athletes, to the MIAA. No one had ever wanted to educate me or any session, new friend from a different state on alongside one another, the team-building had Nstudent delegate back in 2014, I had no idea athletes and soon-to-be college students or other student leader on such an important either side, laughing at some joke or the way already begun. Back at the office, the cooper- what to expect—like most students who attend greatly destroy us and create an image that by Matt LaBranche and relevant topic so it really stood out to me. I use “wicked” to describe nearly anything ative and communication activities were fun, NESLC for the first time—but nevertheless I overcasts who we truly are as individuals. SAC Vice Chair; Senior Returning SAC member Unfortunately, the conference ended all too worth experiencing. active, and mentally stimulating; all elements was still excited and a little nervous for what Considering almost everyone in the country Minnechaug Regional High School soon, but SAC orientation was right around People, again, made my experience mem- that allow athletes like ourselves to thrive. was to come. Although I find it hard to put has at least one or more social media pages the corner. SAC orientation, Round 2, was orable. I had a first serendipitous dinner with This year, I am most excited for a Special into words, NESLC was and still is one of the or accounts, they have become a virtual rep- o start off the summer with the com- exciting for me because I knew what we would the members of the Kentucky Student Adviso- Olympics Massachusetts Initiative. At the favorite things I have ever done. The people, resentation of ourselves. Learning and un- mittee I served as a volunteer at New be doing and I knew I would be able to help ry Committee—even now I still keep in touch NFHS Summit, the group participated in Spe- the environment, the knowledge you obtain derstanding how I could use social media to England Student Leadership Confer- the new members get the most out of the day. with many of them weekly. The leaders of each cial Olympics Indiana at a high school not far is something that most people will never ex- help present myself in a more positive way and Tence (NESLC) 2015. This was an experience Going to the farm at Stonehill is always one session were gregarious and down-to-earth, but from the summit hotel. Using this well-con- perience, and you experience all three of those even help me obtain certain jobs and get into I had been excited about since I first found of my favorite projects but I really enjoyed also focused on the implicit opportunity to structed, enjoyable, and rewarding event as a things in such a short amount of time. Most different colleges definitely made me more out I would be a part of the Student Advisory going through the day’s workshops and seeing impact the common good—that each leader framework, the returning members and I all self-conscious and aware of how Committee. For me, NESLC was where my everyone’s personalities come out as we got to there was going to go home to their teams, hoped that the Student Advisory Committee LEADERSHIP important and dangerous social SAC journey began. After attending the MIAA know each other and learn the skills we would schools, and states and make a difference. Isn’t would take this event idea as a major goal for media can be. Although there are Sportsmanship Summit, my AD suggested need for the year. that the essence of educational athletics: kids this year. With the new members on board and people become captains without any kind of countless other things that I could talk about attending the conference if I enjoyed the day’s Going forward, this committee has a lot of taking the initiative to use their athletic con- equipped with lots of experience in Unified skill-sets or knowledge that are needed and this subject impacted me the most and the Stu- program. I did, so I decided to take a chance potential. The group is big and has the ability nections and abilities to build community and Athletics, we are excited and motivated to they can be bad, mediocre or even sometimes dent Advisory Committee is even talking about on NESLC. That decision changed my life. to reach a large number of students in Massa- make a positive change? make this event a success for the MIAA. good captains. What NESLC does is give you adding this subject to the classroom sessions The people you meet and the lessons you learn chusetts. But, we also have a lot of great ideas those skill sets and knowledge so you have the for future New England Student Leadership are second to none. for projects to work on in Franklin as well. I upper hand in dealing with any and every- Conferences. After serving on the committee, I was ec- am really excited to hopefully fine-tune our thing that comes along with having the title During the last week of August we had static to be able to help bring the same expe- work on the Student Ambassador program of captain, ensuring that you do not have a the first meeting of the rience to a new crop of and also start a Special Olympics event for bad or mediocre captain, but a good or even 2015-2016 Student Once you become a captain of a student leaders and it Massachusetts High Schools. I have high goals great captain. Once you become a captain of Advisory Committee. sports team, you are given a lot of was everything I hoped for this year and no doubt that this group can a sports team, you are given a lot of responsi- This first meeting is responsibility and are expected to do it would be. Being able reach them. bility and are expected to do more than your an orientation for all more than your other fellow team- to sit in on workshops other fellow teammates. NESLC gives you the returning and all new mates. NESLC gives you the tools and and talk with kids by Tyler Keohan tools and skill sets to not only easily accept that members, where we all skill sets to not only easily accept that about their experience SAC Chair; Senior Returning SAC member responsibility and excel with it, but to be able meet each other and get responsibility and excel with it, but brought me back to Acton-Boxborough Regional High School to be a true leader, a true captain. connected. The whole to be able to be a true leader, a true when I was a student NFHS National Student Leadership Sum- day revolves around captain. and motivated me to ESLC started it all for me. It has, mit is another experience that I will never for- team bonding, and —Kyle Morris improve what was al- without a doubt, changed my path get and most people will never have the chance setting forth goals and ready going on. After a and shaped so much of who I am. to experience. Fresh out of helping out with ambitions for the year. Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical week at Stonehill, I was NI’d like to imagine that I could have “turned NESLC 15 and being a volunteer counselor, I This day is important High School excited to be a student out” as well without its influence, but I’m had the chance to attend the National Student because this commit- again in Indianapolis thoroughly convinced now that there is no Leadership Summit. Knowing that NESLC tee—this team—will help usher in a new wave at the NFHS National Student Leadership combination of education, experience or at- was a smaller New England version of the of captains and help out at some of the more Summit. mosphere like you’ll find at NESLC. I’m such national student leadership conference and major events that the MIAA puts on like the I knew the event would be great and that the a people person, and the relationships I’ve was a state action plan that the Student Advi- Sportsmanship Summit at Gillette Stadium NFHS would be able to teach me new things formed from that bond are some of the most The Massachusetts Delegation to the National Federation of High Schools (NFHS) Student Leadership sory Committee made during the last NFHS and, of course, NESLC. NESLC hadn’t yet taught me, but I was blown genuine, heartfelt, and supportive ones in my Summit July 20-22 in Indianapolis was, from left: Brett Mazur, King Philip RHS; Kyle Morris, meeting about eight years ago, I had a good Coming back for my second year on the away by the event. In less than three days, life. While this year I entertained a different Montachusett RVTHS; Stephany Rodriguez, Charlestown HS; Tyler Keohan, Acton-Boxboro RHS, and idea about what the conference was about. Advisory Committee, my main goal for the capacity at NESLC, seeing the whole operation Matt LaBranche, Minnechaug RHS. However, it blew my mind that I became year is to complete the Committees’ re-imag- continued on page 5 with a new class of leaders made me appreciate 4 Building the Future Fall 2015 Building the Future Fall 2015 5 Student Advisory Committee for 2015-16 poised Wellness news, highlights and previews for adventure and service Wellness Summit at DoubleTree Hotel, Westborough, Oct. 23 he Student Advisory Committee (SAC) met for the first time as a group on nce again, the signature initiative of the MIAA Wellness Program, the MIAA Wellness August 20, 2015 for their orientation session. They gathered at the MIAA Office Summit, is scheduled for early fall. The summit will be held Friday, October 23 from 8:00 and took a bus to Stonehill Farm in Easton for a morning of service. Service am to 1:30 pm at the DoubleTree Hotel in Westborough. Tthat day took the form of weeding and harvesting squash, tomatoes, zucchini, peppers, OWho should attend? The Conference is designed for Team Captains, Student Ambassadors, and the mini-pumpkins Student Leaders, Activity Group Officers, School Administrators, Coaches, Nurses, Wellness Co- LEADERSHIP known as “hooligans.” ordinators, Athletic Directors, Guidance Counselors, Wellness Educators, Club Advisors, School They returned to the Resource Officers, and PTOs. office for a pizza lunch followed by workshops on team building, goal setting and The 2015 Wellness Summit features 12 concurrent workshops, more than 30 resource exhibits, communication. and an awards luncheon celebrating those who exemplify healthy life choices. “They really worked hard,” said Peter Smith, MIAA Associate Director and Coor- Workshop Topics Include: Substance Abuse Prevention, Healthy Relationships and Teen Sex- dinator of the SAC, referring to both the morning service project and the afternoon uality, Team Building and Leadership, Healthy Life workshop sessions. Smith facilitated the afternoon sessions along with Naomi Martin, WELLNESS Choices, Teen Mental Health, CPR Anytime Practice, Athletic Director at Lexington High School and a member of the MIAA Educational and Stress Relief. Athletics Committee. The summit registration fee of $225.00 is designed for a group of five (5) representatives from Much will be expected from this group of 17 dedicated student leaders. They will one school or agency. Groups may register less than five individuals or add additional members assist at large-scale MIAA events, such as the MIAA Wellness Summit October 23 at to their five-person team at a cost of $50 per person. The registration fee includes workshops, the Doubletree Hotel (Westborough); the MIAA Sportsmanship Summit, November resource exhibits, continental breakfast, luncheon and materials. Space fills quickly– don’t be left 20 at Gillette Stadium; the Massachusetts Celebration of National Girls and Women out! Reserve your school’s place today. in Sport Day, February 5, 2016 at Faneuil Hall in Boston, and Massachusetts Citi- The 2015—2016 Student Advisory Committee will have a variety of responsibilities at MIAA zenship Days at various locations in April. They will run a workshop at MIAA during Wellness Workshops over the course of the school year. The group met for an orientation session August 20. The the Leadership Training Institute in January 2016, assist at Captains Workshops in session began with a morning service project at Stonehill Farm in Easton and continued with December and March, attend their own Committee meetings and Educational Athletics n addition to its regular lineup of Wellness Workshops, MIAA’s Wellness Department offered afternoon workshops at the MIAA Office in Franklin. Committee meetings, in addition to other duties. So You’re a Leader...Now What?! Leadership 101 and Beyond! September 25th at the MIAA SAC students are chosen from the ranks of Massachusetts student representatives Office in Franklin. It was the first of five dates on which this high school workshop will be who attend the New England Student Leadership Conference (NESLC) each July. Ioffered this year. The program is created for Captains, Student-Athletes, Class and Activity Group STUDENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE 2015-16 The application process includes a personal interview. The interview committee, which Officers, Educators, Advisors, Activity Group Leaders, Coaches, Athletic Directors, and anyone is comprised of MIAA Staff, Educational Athletics Committee representation and interested in learning more about effective model programs, best practices, and prevention strate- Tyler Keohan, Acton-Boxborough Regional High School gies. The sessions offer presentations and breakout sessions touching on Leadership Development; Mikayla Porcaro, Bishop Fenwick High School SAC Committee members weeded and harvested all morning continued on page 11 Team-Building; Communication; Effective Meetings/Activities; Fundraising; Community Service; at Stonehill Farm in Easton and enjoyed a pizza lunch at the Problem Solving; Substance Abuse and Teen Dating Violence Prevention; Networking/Sharing; Stephany Rodriguez, Charlestown High School MIAA Office in Franklin before afternoon workshops Best Practices, and Action Planning. Brett Mazur, King Philip Regional High School Upcoming dates for the program are Friday October 30, Friday January 15, Friday April 29, and Monday May 16. Chad Hult, Lowell Catholic High School Trevor Hult, Lowell Catholic High School YOU LEAD

Caroline Grutchfield, Mahar Regional School OU LEAD is a program created to support, connect and develop resources for middle school DJ Exilhomme, Malden High School youth who have chosen a lifestyle free of alcohol, tobacco or other drug use—substance free youth. As part of its full range of wellness programming, the MIAA is proud to support the Ryan Gray, Milford High School positiveY choices that many young people make in abstaining from the use of alcohol, tobacco or Matthew LaBranche, Minnechaug Regional High School other drugs. We believe this is a population that has often been ignored in a culture that reflects use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs by adolescents as the norm. Through the YOU LEAD program, Kyle Morris, Montachusett Reg. Voc/Tech High School the MIAA embraces the role of advocate for the substance-free youth population. Nathan Rasch, Narragansett Regional High School YOU LEAD sessions for Middle School Students are planned for Friday, December 18, Friday, January 8, Friday, March 18, and Wednesday, April 6. The March session will be held at Lasell Danielle Scafidi, Nashoba Regional High School College in Newton; all the others will be at the MIAA Office in Franklin. Nick Morrison, North Attleboro High School

Victoria Kako, Salem High School To learn more about the YOU LEAD program or any of the other MIAA Wellness pro- Amanda Baptiste, Taunton High School grams, please contact Karen Nardone, MIAA Wellness Coordinator at 508-541-7997 or by email at [email protected]. Please visit the Wellness section of our website regularly Shannon Lyons, Triton Regional High School for updates www.miaa.net

6 Building the Future Fall 2015 Building the Future Fall 2015 7 INTERsections Coaches’ Education NESLC 2015 draws student leaders TheMassachusetts Interscholastic Leadership Athletic Association encourages its member schools to teach Education- Sportsmanship from New England and New York al Athletics through the following Community Service five pillars: tonehill College in Easton was once again Featured speakers were Harvey Alston— the venue for the Fifth Annual New En- noted for his “high octane” style—on Tuesday, constituents re ect Wellness: gland Student Leadership Conference, July 14; Lieutenant Colonel Jason Oberton, Sheld July 14—17. Student Leaders from Mas- Commander, Massachusetts Army National on the many intersecting facets to empower students to Wellness of MIAA educational athletics make healthy life choices sachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Guard, James Orrigo with “Lad in a Battle,” Hampshire, Maine and New York gathered and Stephen Bargatze with “The Magic of for the four-day event. Stephen,” on Wednesday, July 15; Michael by Jim Peters has been nothing short of remarkable. Sportsmanship: Burnham, President of Council MIAA Assistant Director Why should a school community consider a to teach respect for self, of New England Secondary and Liaison to the Educational Athletics Committee Unified Sports Program? The general response team, opponents, officials, LEADERSHIP School Principals’ Association lies in the goal to help create a more inclusive, rules, and the game itself (CNESSPA), on Thursday, July supportive, and caring school environment. “This is a four-day student leadership con- 16, and Eddie Slowikowski with “Going the he 2015-16 school year marks the sec- While this powerful and impactful shift in ference for student leaders, student activity Extra Mile,” on Friday, July 17. ond year in the formal partnership culture is the common denominator, a more Coaches’ Education: participants and student athletes from high Around the speakers at general sessions, with the MIAA, the Massachusetts specific anecdotal reflection is in order. Karma to provide resources for schools across New England and New York,” delegates’ days were filled with icebreakers, TSecondary Schools Administrators Asso- Tousignant, Lunenburg’s Unified Track and said Peter Smith, MIAA Associate Director state meetings, breakout sessions, and com- teacher-coaches who serve ciation (MSSAA), and Special Olympics Field Coach states, “Coaching our team has as curriculum instructors of and NESLC Coordinator. munity service projects. Breakout sessions Massachusetts (SOMA)—with the stated goal been one of the greatest blessings of my career “It’s an opportunity for them to step out of focused on the Citizenship Values of Positive “to encourage and develop Unified Sports as a teacher and athlete. Unified Sports has educational athletics their comfort zones and go through a curric- Values, Perspective, Sportsmanship, Respect, through MIAA school memberships.” For the provided an atmosphere and a learning expe- ulum that gets them looking at their role as Teamwork, Healthy Lifestyles, and Commu- purpose of a quick definition, Unified Sports rience that absolutely cannot be duplicated Leadership: a leader within their school and community, nity Service. Delegates were provided with is a Special Olympics initiative that brings within the four walls of the school.” to promote the power of how they can be better role models, how they Discussion Guides and Self-Evaluation/Action NESLC 2015 delegates helped sort food and stock shelves at the Food for Friends Pantry in Brockton, together equal numbers of Special Olympics The partnership has outlined a number of positive influence that can make a positive difference, what they can Plans for each area. athletes and athletes without intellectual dis- aggressive yet reachable benchmark goals for do to bring back something to their teams, Wednesday’s service projects included as- one of seven Community Service opportunities the abilities (partners) on sport teams for training the coming year. Most notably, May 2016 will student athletes and their schools, their communities and ultimate- sisting Special Olympic athletes at the Cardi- students participated in during the conference. and competition. mark the first official MIAA Unified Sport teacher-coaches share as ly, their state.” nal Cushing Center in Hanover; performing In documenting and sharing the many suc- championship event, with the MIAA State role models In addition to the more than 225 student landscaping and cleaning projects at the Old weeding at the Farm at Stonehill College; trail cess stories to date, along with articulating the Unified Track and Field Championships to be delegates attending, the NESLC staff consisted Colony YMCA in North Easton; sorting food clearing for the Natural Resources Trust of Patti Doherty ongoing goals and initiatives, the partnership held at a site to be determined. , Community Service: of adult delegates, adult and college facilitators, and stocking shelves at the Food for Friends Easton, and sorting clothes and school supplies leaders hope to spur a “Call to Action” across Youth Engagement and Schools Manager at Student Advisory Committee (SAC) volun- Pantry in Brockton; landscaping and clean- for the Cradles to Crayons Giving Factory in our membership. The spring of 2015 saw an SOMA, continues as a driving force in training to recognize the privilege of teers and MIAA staff. ing for the Town of Norfolk; harvesting and Brighton. expansion in Unified Track and Field compe- and motivating schools to implement Uni- athletic participation and Smith said the delegates enthusiastically tition, the sport designated as the partnership’s fied Sport programming. She is seeing strong the responsibility of giving Starting off with a “group selfie,” the Fifth Annual New England Student Leadership embraced the social media component of the area of focus during these building years. The interest in the development of a number of back to the community Conference was held July 14—17 at Stonehill College in Easton. The event draws conference, using a variety of hashtags on previously established Midland/Wachusett new Track and Field leagues across the state, student leaders from Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, several social media sites to keep each other League consisted of 12 teams (11 schools/ along with pockets of interest in implementing Maine and New York. apprised of activity, areas of focus and spirit one cooperative team), with a regular season Unified Basketball. levels. Some of the hashtags they used were: schedule followed by their League Champion- In all cases, the partnership is committed #GiveToGet; #BeTheBest; #ChallengeYour- ship meet hosted by Nashoba Regional High to offering continued professional devel- Building the Future is the Educa- Limits; #FindYourMontana; #FindTheMagi- School. Our newly formed South League saw opment to individual schools and leagues tional Athletics newsletter of the cInYou; #MakeItHappen; #BelieveInYourself; an exciting number of 10 first year teams con- prepared to accept our “Call to Action.” Massachusetts Interscholastic Ath- #MakeADifference; #BeAStar, and #Than- duct a similar regular season schedule and Please do not hesitate to reach out for ad- letic Association. It is published four kYOU. culminating championship meet at Sharon vice and assistance as your school community times per year. When the students gathered with their High School. looks to take those all-important first steps. fellow state delegates, they worked on plans As with all successful MIAA activities, com- to take back to their states. The idea is for mitted and dedicated leadership makes all the Editorial Staff: components of the leadership curriculum to difference, and in the case of Unified Track For initial Unified Sports inquiries or to Peter Smith filter back to the states through initiatives, and Field we must recognize the respective plan a school or League meeting, contact MIAA Associate Director Smith said. For example, Rhode Island recently league coordinators and meet directors for can be made with MIAA Assistant Directors instituted a Student Advisory Committee. their service: Pete McCauliff(Lunenburg Jim Peters ([email protected]) and Rich Riley Linda Taylor To send delegates from your school to next High School) and Bill Martin (Sharon High ([email protected]), or through the SOMA office MIAA Support Staff summer’s NESLC, please watch the Educa- School). The overall enthusiasm and spirit and Patti Doherty (patti.doherty@specia- tional Athletics Leadership page at www.miaa. demonstrated by all our coaches and athletes lolympicsma.org). net for registration details and opportunities. 8 Building the Future Fall 2015 Building the Future Fall 2015 9 MIAA Interns re ect on their Wellness service to Educational Athletics

Community Service Sportsmanship Leadership WELLNESS Coaches’ Education Wellness Summit, October 23 at the DoubleTree Hotel, Milford For details, see page 7. INTERNinsights SPORTSMANSHIP will be graduating from the program in De- by Nicholas Neu cember 2015. Sportsmanship Summit November 20 at Gillette Stadium MIAA Intern The MIAA is right in line with my values I am a recent graduate of Syracuse Univer- and perspectives as a former high school and This MIAA event annually draws throngs of students and their miaa.net. Multimedia Entries should be emailed to the address above sity and hold a degree in Sport Management. collegiate athlete. The educational athletic adult leaders. Registration is open now, and the Sportsmanship Essay/ or mailed to: MIAA Contest, 33 Forge Parkway, Franklin, MA 02038 I have been with the MIAA since mid-summer, teachings that are provided, along with the Multimedia Contest associated is also open, with a submission deadline First Place and Runner-Up multimedia entries will be available and my experience thus far has been tremen- countless initiatives and workshops that are of Friday, October 16. through the MIAA website. dous. I have not worked in an environment being implemented through the MIAA, per- This year’s contest theme is “Paying forward...How an act of Sports- Contest winners will present their entries as honored guests during like the MIAA before. I have had the security, fectly coincide with my life objective of being Olivia Rober, a cheerleader from Norwell manship made a difference in your life.” The contest is open to all the 22nd Annual Sportsmanship Summit at Gillette Stadium on Friday, guidance, wisdom and power from executives able to manifest and instill the core values of High School, participates in a group students in grades 9—12 at MIAA member schools. November 20, 2015. First Place and Runner-Up literary entries will to full-time staff to have a meaningful impact leadership through athletics. I am pleased to leadership activity at the Wellness • Literary entries must be typed, double-spaced, and contain no be published in a compilation entitled Sportsmanship: A Game Plan on the incredible initiatives this organization be working with the MIAA through the Fall, Department’s workshop, “So You ‘re a more than 500 words For Life, Volume XV. supports. I have taken to heart that the MIAA and look forward to all of the things I will Leader...Now What?! “ held at MIAA on • Multimedia entries must be a video that is no longer than The Summit will feature guest speakers Mike Smith, creator of the is much more than an athletic association; learn from each person in the office as well as September 25. More than 80 students and three minutes groundbreaking video series, “The Harbor,” and Boston-based improvi- what they really are is an educational vehicle the unbelievable high school students and staff adult leaders attended. • Prizes are: First Place ($400) and Runner-Up ($200) for each sational comedy troupe Improv Asylum, offering “Training your Head that seeks to inspire our youth to do much that we encounter on a regular basis. category (literary and multimedia) to Think on its Feet.” For a sample of one of Smith’s Harbor episodes, more than participate in sport. I read that All entries must be received by noon on Friday, October 16, visit https://www.jostensrenaissance.com/theharbortv/. every day in the mission statement that hangs Student leaders chosen to represent their schools 2015. Literary Entries should be emailed to educationalathletics@ Registration for the Summit is now open at www.miaa.net. above my desk. on Student Advisory Committee 2015—2016 My end goal is to become a collegiate ath- continued from page 7 LEADERSHIP letic director. Thankfully, as I had hoped, my position within the MIAA has given me far SAC representation, chooses several juniors year the NESLC concluded on Friday, July Captains Workshops December 11, 2015 and March 15, 2016 better perspective on what this position will and several seniors, so there is a carryover of 17 and the Massachusetts representatives were entail. I have seen firsthand the importance seasoned SAC members. on an airplane to Indianapolis for the national These one-day workshops involve students interacting with adult topics of leadership, teamwork, sportsmanship and respect. Schools can of leadership and how it can translate into A select group of returning SAC members is summit that Monday. participants to learn ways that they can make a significant difference in register participants for the fee of $30.00 per person (includes training, effectiveness with people and efficiency in also chosen to represent Massachusetts at the For additional informational about the their schools. Through small group activities, students discuss strategies materials, continental breakfast and lunch). There is not a limit to the producing meaningful results. I have seen National Federation of High Schools (NFHS) MIAA Student Advisory Committee please for influencing their peers and handling difficult situations. number of registrants from one school. Keep watching www.miaa.net the work required to produce a promising National Student Leadership Summit. This see the student reflections on pages 4—5. In preparation for the upcoming season, high school sports captains for registration opportunities. These workshops fill quickly! endowment fund, a successful board meeting, and coaches are invited to a preseason workshop that will address the and a valuable initiative. All these experiences, and more that are sure to come, I look to take Girls and Women in Sport Day with me into graduate school. February 5, 2016 at Faneuil Hall I look forward to the remaining days and the challenges that are ahead. At the Massachusetts Celebration of National Girls and Women in Sport (GWS) Day, Massachusetts high schools are invited to send two by Tess Weafer female athletes to represent their schools at a formal but fun ceremony MIAA Intern at Faneuil Hall, Boston. I hail from Scituate, Massachusetts where The day features a keynote speaker, an essay contest, and the confer- I spent my high school career playing soccer ring of the Massachusetts Women in Sport Distinguished Service Award for the Sailors. I moved on to play soccer at (MWSDSA). Each honored athlete crosses the stage to be recognized the University of Vermont and graduated in and receive a certificate. Long-sleeved commemorative t-shirts featuring 2012. Throughout the next couple of years, the honored athletes’ names are available for purchase. doing a variety of interesting things, I began Larry Sasso, US Marine Corps veteran and Coach at Nipmuc Regional High School in Upton, is flanked This year’s celebration is scheduled for Friday, February 5 from Members of the Attleboro High School Girls Lacrosse Team pose with their to know that my calling was in the sports by his baseball players as he is awarded his MIAA Educational Athletics Award in Leadership on August 10:00 am to noon. Div II Team Sportsmanship Award at the MIAA Girls Lacrosse State Finals industry. With this notion in mind, I started 18 at his school. MIAA Assistant Director Rich Riley, far right, traveled to Nipmuc RHS to present the Look for essay contest entry, MWSDSA nomination forms and June 18th at the Harvard University Soldiers Field Lacrosse Stadium. working on my Master’s Degree in Sports award to Sasso to recognize his Leadership initiatives during the 2015 Spring Season. GWS Day registrations this winter at www.miaa.net. Leadership from Northeastern University and 10 Building the Future Fall 2015 Building the Future Fall 2015 11 Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association 33 Forge Parkway Franklin, MA 02038

Upcoming Events All events are at the MIAA Office unless otherwise indicated. October 7, 2015 November 18, 2015 Middle School Wellness: Best Practices, Mike Smith Live New Initiatives and Programs Inspirational Speaker, by the Harbor by Jostens, Wellness Workshop MIAA and MSSAA @Hanover Theater, Worcester October 23, 2015 19th Annual Wellness Summit November 20, 2015 @DoubleTree Hotel, Milford Sportsmanship Summit @Gillette Stadium October 30, 2015 So You’re A Leader... Now What?! December 11, 2015 Wellness Workshop High School Captains Workshop January 15, 2016 So You’re A Leader... Now What?! October 30, 2015 December 18, 2015 Wellness Workshop Learning to Lead YOU LEAD GWS Workshop Wellness Workshop for Middle School January 25—29, 2016 @ Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Leadership Training Institute Fame, Springfield January 8, 2016 YOU LEAD February 5, 2016 November 4, 2015 Wellness Workshop for Middle School Teen Sexuality Wellness Educator Showcase @Lasell College, Newton Wellness Workshop November 5, 2015 January 12, 2016 February 5, 2016 The School Administrator’s Role in Youth Nutrition, Fitness, Eating Disorders, Girls and Women in Sport Day Suicide Prevention Body Image @Faneuil Hall, Boston Joint MIAA/MSSAA Workshop Wellness Workshop

Visit www.miaa.net/miaa/conferences for a complete listing of events.

12 Building the Future Fall 2015