For the Gazette

STEVENS POINT – Stevens Point Area Senior High School (SPASH) was recently recognized through a Wisconsin Association of School Councils awards program.

Schools across Wisconsin recently competed for the Spirit of Excellence Award, an award honoring schools for achieving excellence in leadership, sportsmanship and service to their school and communities.

Each year the Spirit of Excellence Award is given to six Wisconsin schools, one in each region, that demonstrate excellence in leadership development, sportsmanship initiatives, school spirit, and service to school and community.

It is presented jointly by a selection committee consisting of members from WASC, Wisconsin Association for Middle Level Education, AWSA, Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association, Wisconsin Association of School District Administrators, Wisconsin Athletic Directors Association and the Milwaukee Bucks

Schools across the state submitted a detailed portfolio to the Wisconsin Association of School Councils highlighting their achievements in various venues, including service; sportsmanship and positive culture; leadership in academics, athletics, fine arts; development of leadership both in and out of school; and lowering the achievement gap.

Senior High School (SHS) 2022-23 recipients

Region II:  Stevens Point Area Senior High School

Region III:  Oshkosh West High School

Region IV:  Oak Creek  High School

Region V/State:  Stoughton High School

Region VI:  Baraboo High School

Junior and Middle School (JAM) 2022-23 recipients

State Recipient:      Park View Middle School

Runner-up: J.C. McKenna Middle School

“We have some incredible students and teachers at SPASH and our student senate leaders and faculty advisors are some of the best.  They worked extremely hard in submitting our application to the Spirit of Excellence Award and in doing so showcased some of the great things about our school.  We are grateful for their leadership and thankful and appreciative of the recognition,” stated Stevens Point Area Public School District Superintendent Cory Hirsbrunner.

Recognition for these awards includes banners for all regional recipients and a trophy for the state winners, an awards presentation at the March 9 Milwaukee Bucks Game and an awards presentation at the WASC State SHS and JAM Conference in Green Bay on April 23.