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Episodes

Education Matters: Outside Classroom Activities Inspire

Dr. Cline is speaking with Dr. Karissa Niehoff [pronounced nee-hoff] who is the Executive Director of the National Federation of State High School Associations.  Dr. Niehoff discusses the importance of high school students participating in outside classroom activities like drama, science, baseball, and math clubs.  Competencies, which are skills and abilities that are learned through participating in outside classroom activities help students become “career ready” graduates for their future jobs one day. 

A National Director Remembers: “I Love You Mom!”

Dr. Cline speaks with Elliot Hopkins who is the national Director of Sports, Sanctioning, and Student Services for the National Federation of State High School Associations. Even national directors have fond memories of their moms supporting them as a high school kid participating in outside classroom activities.  Elliot shares how having his mom’s support was very important while participating in outside classroom activities.  He also shares what he believes today’s moms need to know to help support their children. 

Words of Wisdom: Being a Wife, Working Mom, and President of a National Historic Landmark

Dr. Cline speaks with Judith Thomas who is a wife, mom, and a former President of the Madam Walker Legacy Center which is a National Historic Landmark located in Indianapolis, Indiana.  It’s where “some 3,000 women worked” in the early 1900’s “and also a community cultural center housing the factory, a ballroom, a theater, hair salon, corporate offices, and more.”   Judith shares how she has balanced being a wife and working mom of four children who were active in sport and nonsport activities in high school.

Time Management and Career Readiness

Dr. Cline is speaks with Mautrice Meriweather who is the Chief Talent Officer for the National Federation of State High School Associations. She’s a mom AND grandmom of children who participate in sport and nonsport activities.  Mautrice knows a lot about Time Management and its importance in balancing family activities.  She also knows a lot about the importance of time management as it relates to working in a job!  Mautrice shares what she believes moms need to know to help support their children 

Teamwork and Collaboration

Dr. Cline speaks with Theresia Wynns who is the Director of Sports and Officials Education for the National Federation of State High School Associations.  She’s a native of South Carolina where she was born, raised, went to school and graduated from South Carolina State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Health, Physical Education, and Recreation.   

Theresia went on to teach physical education, health swimming, driver’s education, and general science while also officiating high school basketball, volleyball and even working swimming meets and track and field events!  Later, she became a school administrator as Dean of Students at the high school level and Assistant Principal at a junior high/middle school.   

Theresia spent 15 years as an Assistant Commissioner for the Indiana High School Athletic Association before joining the National Federation of State High School Associations.   

She is also a mom who knows a lot about the importance of Teamwork and Collaboration as it relates to The Case for High School Activities!

Engagement/Belonging ● School/Community ● Post High School Positive Results

Dr. Cline speaks with Stephanie Hauser…a mom…. and an Assistant Executive Director of the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association.  In that position, she also serves on the National Federation of State High School Associations’ Student Services Committee, and Chair of the Gymnastics Rule Committee. 

Stephanie is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Superior with a degree in secondary chemistry education.  She was a member of its women’s basketball and softball teams, and was named team captain and most valuable player of the women’s volleyball team, receiving all-conference honorable mention.  She later received her Master’s Degree in Education Leadership from Marian College and is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Business Administration at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh.

Professional Work Ethics

Dr. Cline speaks with JoAnne Bennett who is the Chief Financial Officer for the National Federation of State High School Associations. She’s also a mom of two sons who are both in high school.  One son is a freshman and the other son is a senior.  One thing they have in common for sure is a very supportive mom who encourages them to participate in sport and nonsport activities offered by their high school.  JoAnne shares what she believes moms need to know to help support their children.