By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor

The Michigan High School Athletic Association is seeking student-athletes to become members of its Student Advisory Council beginning with the 2014-15 school year.

Four boys and four girls from the Class of 2016 will be selected to two-year terms, and will meet on matters related to maintaining and promoting a proper perspective and sensible scope for high school sports in Michigan. Eight members from the Class of 2015 are already serving on the council, while eight members of the Class of 2014 are leaving the council this spring.

To be eligible for the committee, candidates must complete the official application, including answering the three short-answer questions; submit a letter of recommendation from a school administrator, be a member of the Class of 2016, have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) and be available for all scheduled meetings.

In addition, candidates should show a history of leadership on athletic teams as well as with other extra-curricular activities, community service projects, or in the workplace; show an understanding of the role of school sports and have ideas for promoting a proper perspective for educational athletics.

Applications are due in the MHSAA office by 4:30 p.m. on April 23. Applications can be downloaded from the Student Advisory Council page of the MHSAA Website, filled out on the computer or handwritten, and returned to the MHSAA office by e-mail, fax or any mail delivery service.

The Student Advisory Council meets seven times each school year, and once more for a 24-hour leadership camp. In addition to assisting in the promotion of the educational value of interscholastic athletics, the council discusses issues dealing with the 4 S’s of educational athletics: scholarship, sportsmanship, safety (including health and nutrition) and the sensible scope of athletic programs. 

Members contribute in planning Sportsmanship Summits, Captains Clinics and other student leadership events, and assist with medal ceremonies at MHSAA championship events. The Council also judges the “Battle of the Fans,” which it created during the 2011-12 school year as a way to promote positive sportsmanship.

Newly-chosen members will join the following from the Class of 2015: Eliza Beird, Holland Black River; Grant Osborne, White Lake Lakeland; Amanda Paull, Cheboygan; Jonathan Perry, McBain Northern Michigan Christian; Emily Starck, Remus Chippewa Hills; Connor Thomas, Marlette; Caycee Turczyn, Lapeer West; and Aaron Van Horn, Kingston. 

The eight new members of the Student Advisory Council will be notified by May 2.  The 2014-15 meetings are tentatively scheduled for Aug. 24, Oct. 5, Dec. 7, Jan. 11, Feb. 15, April 12 and May 17.  Meetings will take place at the MHSAA Office in East Lansing.

For more information, contact Andy Frushour at the MHSAA – 517-332-5046 or [email protected].