The Lasting Impact of CDH Co-curricular Opportunities

CDH students participate in co-curriculars at very high levels. In athletics alone, the numbers are impressive — nearly 93% of all CDH students participated in one or more sports this year, and there are all levels of skill among our student-athletes on Raider teams. Matt Funk, Athletic Director points to the culture among our students and coaches that strives to become ‘better’ — better students, better people, better athletes.

“The best part of my job is how often people outside of CDH tell me about their experience with our student-athletes. When our boys golf team qualified for state, a mom on the Stillwater team made a point in telling me how good our kids were as humans. Her son told her they were the nicest guys he ever played against.”

Funk often uses this phrase to describe CDH co-curriculars: Culture Creates Champions. “Champions may reference how far a team or an athlete goes in a competition, but it means so much more than that,” explained Funk. “We believe ‘champions’ is more about the kind of person a student-athlete is rather than any win-loss record!”

Why use the term ‘co-curricular’ vs extra-curricular?

CDH uses the term co-curricular to define the opportunities for learning and development outside the classroom, such as athletics, clubs/organizations, service and more. This is intentional because the term “co-curricular” reflects a more integrated approach to learning. It suggests that what students learn in the classroom is complemented and enhanced by their experiences in co-curricular activities. This integrated learning approach is designed to prepare students for real-life challenges and responsibilities, fostering well-rounded individuals. This underscores the importance of these opportunities as core elements of a student’s education and aligns with the CDH values and our belief in educating the whole person.

The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), a national leader and advocate for high school athletics as well as fine and performing arts programs, conducts a Participation Survey every year.

NFHS estimates that Minnesota is #5 in the nation for participation in sports — with 54.1% of high school students participating in sports. In comparison, CDH estimates that 93% of students participate in one or more sports, far exceeding even Minnesota stats.

The NFHS, which hosts the National High School Hall of Fame, notes several benefits for sports and other co-curriculars:

• Co-curriculars support academics as an extension of a good educational program. Students who participate in activity programs tend to have higher grade-point averages, better attendance records, lower dropout rates, and fewer discipline problems than students generally.

• Co-curriculars provide valuable lessons and skills for practical situations – like teamwork, fair play, and hard work. Students learn self-discipline, build self-confidence, and develop skills to handle competitive situations...skills needed to become responsible adults, productive citizens, and skilled professionals.

• Co-curriculars promote mental and physical health and well-being.

• Co-curriculars foster success in other areas of life.