HEART OF STEELE

Owatonna head football coach Jeff Williams paced the stage inside the new OHS auditorium last week like he was walking the sideline during a game.

Williams was the last to speak before the school crowned its homecoming royalty in a facility fit for a king and queen. The sound, the lights, the stage equipment–all brand new and state of the art.

Before the festivities, LED lights embedded in wall panels glowed blue and white, as close as they could get to the school colors. That little detail is just one of so many throughout the building, and I couldn’t help wondering whether kids even notice all those tiny things that add up to one spectacular educational facility.

Apparently, I’m not the only one.

During his comments, Williams said people have asked him whether students really appreciate their new school, whether they’re grateful for the community’s massive investment. In addition to more than $100 million taxpayer dollars, businesses contributed more than $20 million to get it done.

Of course, kids see every week now that their home football field is Federated Field, recognizing the investment from Federated Insurance, and there’s signage identifying Wenger Performing Arts Center, so named for manufacturer Wenger Corp.’s contribution.

But do they get it? Do they really get it?

Williams responded with a personal story, one probably familiar to many adults. He said he didn’t learn until he was in the 30’s that his parents had taken out a second mortgage on their home to pay for his education.

Now, of course, he’s grateful. As a student, he didn’t know.  

Even though students have this beautiful, new school, it’s still a school–some kids will appreciate it, and some may not. Down the road, Williams said, they’ll see and appreciate the true value.

As parents, we want our children to appreciate what we do for them. We also know they will take a lot for granted until they grow up and have children of their own.

The same is true with the new OHS. I hope for now, students will simply enjoy and benefit from the facility, and that someday, they’ll see it as a gift from the heart of their community.