MSHSL News

Activities Directors recently received the following email regarding the MSHSL Foundation Form A and Form B grant opportunities for the 2023-2024 school year. All MSHSL member schools are encouraged to complete submissions for these grant dollars to assist students by reducing their activity fees and to provide educational experiences in the areas of leadership, sportsmanship and health and safety. Please connect with your activities administrator or the League Office if you have any questions.

On September 21, 2023, the MSHSL Foundation Board approved the designation of $700,000 to be allocated through the Form A Grant process and $400,000 to be allocated through the Form B grant process. Special note: Form A and Form B will be processed simultaneously in the fall of 2023.

The MSHSL Foundation is funded by the collection of state taxes on all postseason tickets. State taxes are required on all postseason tickets and a legislative provision directs these funds to the Foundation. The primary goal of the MSHSL Foundation is to award grants that assist, recognize, promote, and fund extra-curricular participation by high school students in athletic and fine arts programs.

• The Form A Grant process allocates funds to schools based on the unduplicated number of participants who qualify for educational benefits including free and reduced meals. Unduplicated means that each student counts only once, regardless of how many sports or activities they participate in.
• The Form B Grant process allocates funds to assist member schools, school districts and related conferences or regions with costs in three specific areas including health and safety, leadership initiatives and transportation that reduces barriers to participation.

Activities Administrators are encouraged to complete the MSHSL Foundation Grant A and Grant B Applications at this time. Visit mshslfoundation.org for grant application forms and instructions.

Registration deadline: Friday, November 3

Registration Link

The MSHSL and its partner organizations MASA, AMSD, MASSP, MSBA, MNIAAA and MSHSCA are partnering with the MSHSL Student Advisory and Leadership Team (SALT) to offer a statewide student conference to member schools. The student conference will feature both large group keynote-style sessions and smaller breakout sessions where students will learn and work together toward safe, welcoming and inclusive League-sponsored activities and athletics. Those who attend the statewide conference will:

• Develop personal leadership skills and capacity;

• Work collaboratively toward safe, more respectful and inclusive environments in activities and athletics; and

• Be inspired and encouraged to intentionally impact the culture of their school and community.

When: Wednesday, December 6, 2023

Where: St. Paul RiverCentre

Time: 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Cost: $15 per student (includes t-shirt and lunch)

We encourage all schools to register their students and attend this collaborative and interactive student-centered event, as we work toward safe, respectful and inclusive programs and events.

Additional Information is available here

Twelve individuals have been selected to receive the Minnesota State High School League’s highest recognition honor when they are inducted in the Hall of Fame Class of 2024. The League made the announcement on October 25 via a video hosted by Executive Director Erich Martens.

Standout athletes Lindsay Whalen of Hutchinson, Cretin-Derham Hall’s Chris Weinke, Burnsville’s Holly Manthei and Apple Valley’s Trevor Laws are among the dozen inductees who will be honored for excellence during their high school careers. The Class of 2024 will join 239 current Hall of Fame members who were recognized for service and excellence. Areas recognized are: Fine Arts, Contributors, Officials, Administrators, Coaches and Athletes.

The League’s Hall of Fame Class of 2024 will be inducted on Sunday, April 14, 2024, at the InterContinental Hotel in downtown St. Paul.

Learn more about the Class of 2024 here.

The Officers and Executive Directors of MASA and the MSHSL meet quarterly to review topics of interest and current issues facing school leaders and the League. These conversations are an excellent opportunity to learn from one another and support the work that is being done by our superintendents while increasing awareness of the most important aspects and changes within the League. Please reach out to your MASA leadership or the MSHSL directly should you have questions or concerns that would be topics of discussion.