SIBLEY, Iowa - The Sibley-Ocheyedan Community School District received good news earlier this month.
Thanks to the hard work of students in extracurricular activities academically and in their respective fields, the S-O Generals have won the Class 2A Bank Iowa Traveling Challenge Cup for the first time in the district’s history.
Since 2007, the statewide contest has recognized Iowa high schools students for academics and outstanding achievement during state competitions.
Each school receives points for reaching state competitions in sports, speech and music. Points are also given for advancing in state competitions, Division I ratings and earning academic recognition from the Iowa High School Speech Association, Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union, Iowa High School Athletic Association or Iowa High School Music Association.
“The Bank Iowa Traveling Challenge Cup is an extension of our commitment to helping make Iowa communities better places to live and work,” said Jim Plagge, President and CEO of Bank Iowa, headquartered in West Des Moines. “What we love about this unique award is recognizing student accomplishments across all school activities and in the classroom.”
Sibley-Ocheyedan earned 860 points for the 2014-15 academic year to get past former Bank Iowa Traveling Challenge Cup winners Kuemper Catholic of Carroll, which earned 805 points. S-O neighbor Sheldon secured third place with 800 points. In total, S-O beat out 95 other schools in the district’s division for the coveted prize.
Sibley-Ocheyedan had 26 extra-curricular activities that contributed to its 860 points. Equally impressive, nearly half of the points - 400 to be exact - were derived from the district’s academic achievements.
“This award signifies that Sibley-Ocheyedan has a lot of great things going on,” Sibley-Ocheyedan Superintendent Bill Boer said. “Twenty-six of our extra-curricular activities contributed to the 860 points. That’s awesome.
“This is Sibley-Ocheyedan’s first time being crowned the 2A champion,” Boer added. “We definitely would like to repeat.”
In addition to the crystal cup received by the district, the school also received $1,750 for academic enhancement. The money will be added to the district’s activity fund. Boer said the district has not yet decided how it will be used.
