Written by Maggie Helmer, Assistant Director of Esports – MHSEL
Nearly 100 legislative and governmental guests gathered to experience the rapidly growing world of scholastic esports when the Michigan High School Esports League hosted an exciting and interactive Esports Day at the Michigan State Capitol on September 25.
The event provided a firsthand look at the educational and developmental benefits of esports in Michigan schools, while showcasing the dedication of students, coaches and MHSEL to growing support and bringing awareness to others.
Devoted high school student athletes and/or coach volunteers from Dansville, Novi, Divine Child and Mona Shores, as well as MHSEL collegiate partner Michigan State University helped run the event. Additionally, MHSEL 2023 Shoutcaster Showdown (an extra STEAM/STEM opportunity and statewide competition) winner, Michael Geiss (Taylor HS graduate, now college student) lent his time and skills to show his support. Through their expertise and passion, attendees were introduced to the expanding impact of scholastic esports on middle and high school students.
“Scholastic esports is not just about competition—it’s a rapidly expanding educational tool that prepares students for the future,” MHSEL Director Ryan Cayce said. “From fostering STEM learning and improving academic performance to developing leadership and teamwork skills, esports provides a unique platform that benefits students inside and outside the classroom.”
This immersive Esports Day aimed to build a bridge between Michigan’s educational leaders and the future of scholastic esports, encouraging support and awareness for its integration into school programs. The event was broken down into four interactive stations:
- Watch It: Attendees viewed live competitions between Divine Child High School and Michigan State University student esports athletes, complete with Geiss’s shoutcasting to enhance the excitement.
- Play It: Participants were able to experience esports first hand by challenging their colleagues in a friendly Mario Kart 8 Deluxe race with high school student athletes teaching them how to play.
- Learn It: Individuals discovered the unique benefits of scholastic esports through expert-led conversations and informational handouts.
- Ask It: Guests engaged with high school and college esports athletes and coaches to gain insights of their personal experience on how esports has positively impacted their lives.
“I saw a side of my students that I wasn’t sure existed,” said Jerrod Braman, Dansville High School Esports Coach. “They were just comfortably chatting and talking with adults and with other students, and genuinely enjoying being there. They really liked showing people how to play Mario Kart and just talking about their esports experience.”
Esports Day underscored the significant growth of scholastic esports in Michigan and highlighted the role it plays in helping students develop critical skills such as teamwork, communication and problem-solving. By fostering a deeper understanding of esports in education, the goal was to showcase how esports can enhance both academic and social development for students across the state.
For additional information, visit mhsel.org. MHSEL started in Fall of 2020 and is hosted by the Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals and the Michigan Association of Student Councils and Honor Societies in partnership with PlayVS. The mission of MHSEL is to provide safe, competitive, and curricular environments that allow student athletes the opportunity to build critical skill sets, explore vast career paths, and contribute to their school culture within (varsity) esports.