There are moments during the school year when you can really feel what it means to be a Bluejacket. Homecoming is certainly one of them.
Homecoming brings tremendous energy to our schools, but what I appreciate most are the traditions that connect our students, schools, and communities.
Each Homecoming Friday, our Homecoming Court starts their day bright and early, traveling throughout the district for the annual Royal Tour. They visit every school, joining pep rallies alongside the high school pep band and our Junior Royalty—second-grade students representing Cambridge and Isanti Primary Schools. There is something special about watching our youngest Bluejackets cheer for high school students who once sat in those same classrooms.
In the middle of a long day, the group stops at the Education Services Center for a picnic lunch and a little downtime before continuing the tour and eventually being introduced under the Friday night lights.
Meanwhile, another longstanding tradition is happening on the road. Members of our cross-country team literally run the game ball from the opposing community back to Cambridge-Isanti for the Homecoming football game. This year, that meant approximately 39 miles from Elk River!
The celebration extended well beyond our schools. Local businesses throughout our communities participated in the Homecoming window decorating contest, filling storefronts with blue and red and adding to the week's excitement. We appreciate everyone who joined the fun and demonstrated their support for our students. Photos of the decorated windows can be found on the Cambridge-Isanti Schools Facebook page.
The celebration continued Saturday evening as the Bluejacket Education Foundation hosted its annual Future Fest fundraiser. This year's event was all about school spirit, tradition, and community pride. Guests enjoyed games, hors d'oeuvres, food trucks, silent and live auctions, and even sportscasting announcers to help keep track of a lively evening.
One of the most meaningful moments of Future Fest is the presentation of the Distinguished Bluejacket Award. This year's recipients were Scott and Karen Nelson. After experiencing the unimaginable loss of two of their children, Scott and Karen turned their heartbreak into a commitment to help others through the Maddy Nelson Foundation and the Walk by Faith Gala. Their compassion and generosity have touched many lives, and their recognition was a powerful example of what it means to make a difference in the lives of others.
Future Fest is also a reminder of the work happening behind the scenes throughout the year. The Bluejacket Education Foundation is led by a volunteer Board whose members dedicate countless hours to creating opportunities and providing additional support for our students, staff, and classrooms. We are grateful for their partnership.
That idea of service brings me to another group deserving of our appreciation. September was School Board Appreciation Month, providing an opportunity to recognize the seven community members who serve on the Cambridge-Isanti School Board.
School Board service requires a tremendous commitment. Members study complex issues, establish policy, oversee district finances, listen to community perspectives, and help set the long-term direction of our schools. Much of that work happens outside public meetings, with hours spent reviewing information, serving on committees and attending school events, asking questions, and learning about the many different parts of our district.
They are regularly asked to weigh different perspectives, balance today's needs with tomorrow's responsibilities, and make difficult decisions that impact thousands of people. We are fortunate to have community members willing to give their time and talents to this important work.
Perhaps that is what has stood out most to me over these past several weeks. Bluejacket pride isn't simply about wearing blue and red or cheering on Friday night. It is found in people choosing to participate, contribute, serve, and support one another.
Whether it is a second grader joining the Royalty Tour, a business decorating its windows, runners carrying a football 39 miles, volunteers raising money for classrooms, or community members serving on our School Board, our schools are stronger because people care enough to be involved.
That is something worth celebrating—and something we should never take for granted.