MONROE - The Monroe Middle School has been selected as the state runner-up for the junior and middle, or JAM level, Spirit of Excellence Award, which recognizes schools for their outstanding efforts in sportsmanship, leadership, academics and community service. Marissa Vosberg, Olivia Wiegel, Ellery Bazley, Kaitlyn Elgin, Sierra McGuire and Austin Fuchs traveled to a Milwaukee Bucks game March 9 to be recognized at halftime. Schools across the state submitted a detailed portfolio highlighting their achievements in various venues, including leadership, service, lowering the achievement gap, etc. This portfolio was judged by a team of leaders from Wisconsin.

Recognition for these awards includes banners for all regional recipients and a trophy for the state winners, the awards presentation at the Bucks game, an awards presentation at the Wisconsin Association of School Councils state SHS and WASC JAM Conference April 22 and 29 in Madison, recognition through a promotional spot during the WIAA state boys/girls' state basketball tournament and continued recognition on Fox Sports Network throughout the year.

For more information, visit http://wasc.org/spirit-of-excellence/.