April 6, 2023
from Bill Hudson, head of school
You wouldn’t know it, but somewhere below several inches of snow lies the MPA track. While we wait for spring to arrive, our track and field teams and physical education classes make do, anticipating the day they can move outside. And yet, the track itself is in bad shape after many brutal Minnesota winters. Imagine what it would be like to have an outdoor track that reflects the excellence of our students and athletes. I believe that if we can imagine it, we can achieve it.
MPA athletic programs have enjoyed a rich tradition of success by providing student-athletes with the tools necessary to succeed on and off the field. MPA athletics are not simply extra-curricular programs; they complement our academic experience, provide balance to our students’ lives, and foster school spirit. Through inclusive teams and a no-cut policy, everyone can be an athlete at MPA.
For example, MPA student-athletes have won ten state championships in track and field events. And yet, we cannot host home events because of the condition of the track. We haven’t had an outdoor track worth of our students’ achievements and capable of hosting competitions. Click here to watch the 2023 Fund A Need video, and learn more about the impact of this project!
This year’s Fund A Need at our Spring Auction, “A Night of Pure Imagination,” is to replace the existing track by demolishing the existing asphalt base and installing an advanced technology competition-grade rubber track surface, allowing our students to practice and compete on campus. It will also benefit students of all grades in physical education classes and special events such as the Lower School and Middle School Track and Field days.
To do this, we must raise $500,000. While that amount may seem a little daunting, imagine what we can do together. “I am so grateful and energized by our community’s commitment to ensure that our track matches the caliber of our student-athletes. This investment will benefit Panther Pride for many years,” said Bev Docherty, retired MPA Health and Physical Education Teacher and Track and Field coach.
I urge you to raise your paddle to support our Fund A Need at this year’s Spring Auction. You can make a gift today or help us reach our fund a need goal during the live program on April 21. If you cannot join us, I invite you to make your commitment today by clicking here or emailing Jennifer Rogers, director of development and community engagement, at jrogers@moundsparkacademy.org with your pledge.
“A Night of Pure Imagination” is an important celebration of community and a reminder of what we can collectively accomplish. Together, we can raise the necessary funds to replace and upgrade our track, providing the means for our students to achieve their imaginations.
