October 2025 article

Owatonna loves fall: the start of school routines, the change in the weather, fall sports, and arguably, most of all, the Homecoming festivities. In our community, Homecoming week is a “big deal.” The dress-up days, coronation, parade, football game, and dance are all coveted events that would not happen without many hours of dedication from unsung heroes who make these events engaging and memorable for members of our community.

When we watch a high school football game, it’s easy to focus on the players scoring touchdowns under bright lights. Yet anyone who has attended knows the experience is far richer than the action on the field. The band, cheerleaders, coaches, announcers, concession staff, and the grounds crew who prep the stadium all shape what we see, hear, and feel. Without them, the game would lose energy, excitement, and order.

School works in much the same way: a student’s day is built by a network of helpers who guide, support, and nurture them from the first bell to the last. Every interaction, big or small, affects how students engage, feel, and learn.

Just as a football game begins with fans entering the stadium, a school day starts the moment students arrive. Bus drivers greet children, offering a smile or calm word that eases nerves. Office staff and building leaders provide directions and reassurance, helping students feel safe and welcomed. These early moments are the opening kickoff, setting the tone for the day.

On the field, the quarterback executes plays, but coaches guide strategy, offer support, and adjust plans on the fly. Teachers and administrators play the same roles in schools. Teachers lead lessons and engage students, while leaders coordinate schedules, resolve challenges, and ensure the learning environment runs smoothly. Without their combined efforts, the “game” of learning can quickly fall into chaos.

The marching band lifts energy during halftime, and cheerleaders rally the crowd. In schools, paraprofessionals, aides, and specialists provide this same kind of support behind the scenes. They help students stay on track, offer encouragement, and tailor instruction so every child can participate fully. Interventionists, counselors, and reading specialists are like halftime motivators, recharging students so they can reenter the classroom ready to engage.

No one enjoys a game if they’re hungry or thirsty. Cafeteria workers, custodians, and nutrition staff ensure students’ basic needs are met. Lunchroom helpers offer students a kind word and provide nourishment. Their work may seem routine, but it keeps students focused and energized, much like concessions keep fans in the stands enjoying the game.

Referees and security staff maintain order on the field and in the stands. Similarly, hallway monitors, recess supervisors, and school resource officers protect students and model safe behavior. They help resolve conflicts, guide interactions, and create the structure that allows students to participate fully in learning activities.

Fans remember a football game for the excitement, the crowd’s energy, and the sense of belonging. For students, the “audience experience” is the feeling that adults across the school see them, care about them, and support them. A smile from a custodian in the hallway, a gentle check-in from a counselor, or encouragement from a paraprofessional can make students feel valued and capable.

We see, appreciate, and celebrate the helpers in our schools. Every adult affects the student experience; it’s a full-team effort. Like the band, cheerleaders, and security at a football game, these helpers create an environment where students can focus, engage, and thrive. Their contributions may not always be visible, but they are essential for every student to succeed.