Doing something for the first time—whether it is walking as a toddler, riding a bike as a child, or entering high school as a teen—deserves recognition. Firsts merit celebration, acknowledgement, and praise, no matter how big or small.

One significant St. Paul Academy and Summit School first comes Mar. 2 when Spartan Boys Hockey will have its first state tournament appearance in team history.

Due to the timing of the games in the MSHSL tournament, SPA’s second bi-annual Service Day could be compromised. Depending on the outcome of tonight’s game, the team could play during the school day on Mar. 4, resulting in the special schedule day being adjusted to accommodate a half-day Service Day for students in 9, 11-12 and a half-day at the Xcel Energy Center cheering for the team.

The school precedent is to dismissed school and bus fans to watch state tournament teams play, as we did just a few weeks ago when United Hockey made it to the girls state tournament.  However, it is being suggested that this should not happen because of the game’s conflict with Service Day. This day, dedicated to giving back to the community, happens every-other year. Cheering on the boys hockey team in the state tournament may never happen again.

Having students at the game not only increases the energy of the game, but it also shows support for the team and SPA athletics as a whole.

In this difficult position, SPA Administration looks to find a solution, and the option of shortening the day offers compromise. The best solution is to have SPA students attend the hockey game and support this athletic team in the biggest first of their high school hockey careers.