Eagan (Minnesota) High School Named 2025 NFHS Performing Arts School of Excellence

The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) has selected Eagan High School in Eagan, Minnesota, as the 2025 NFHS Performing Arts School of Excellence. Eagan becomes the 10th high school in the United States to receive the award, which has been presented annually since 2016.

The NFHS Performing Arts School of Excellence Award is one of the marquee celebrations of National High School Activities Month each October, an initiative highlighting the values and lifelong benefits of high school activity programs for students, schools and communities.

“We are deeply honored to be named the 2025 NFHS Performing Arts School of Excellence,” said Dr. Polly Reikowski, principal of Eagan High School. “This award reflects the tireless work of our teachers and directors, the extraordinary commitment of our students, the engagement of our school district, and the steadfast support of our families and community.  Our school exemplifies the Triple A philosophy, as does our entire school district: Arts, Academics and Athletics. Performing arts are at the heart of our school’s culture, and this recognition will inspire us to continue creating opportunities for students to learn, grow and shine.”

A special presentation was held this afternoon (October 3) at Eagan High School, led by Chris Paulson, NFHS director of performing arts and sports, who presented the award to school and district leaders, staff and students.

“Eagan High School embodies everything this award is meant to celebrate,” Paulson said. “The achievements of its music, theatre, speech, debate and visual arts programs are extraordinary, but what truly stands out is the way these programs nurture creativity, leadership and confidence. Eagan has built a model for the nation in showing how the performing arts can transform students’ lives and enrich entire communities.”

Eagan’s performing arts programs are among the most comprehensive and successful in the country. Highlights include:

• Music: More than 300 students participate in instrumental ensembles, with marching band, pep band, wind symphony, wind ensemble, jazz groups and chamber ensembles earning state and national recognition, including designation as a GRAMMY Signature School and many all-state recognitions. Instrumental students have traveled internationally on a number of performance-based tours. Vocal music enrolls more than 275 students across six choirs and many ensembles for cocurricular groups, regularly performing at state, regional and national festivals, with dozens of all-state selections and international performance tours.

• Speech and Debate: Eagan is home to the largest debate program in Minnesota and one of the most decorated in the country, with seven state debate championships, 17 national speech titles, and multiple NSDA School of Excellence and Outstanding Distinction Awards. Seventy-eight students have won state speech championships with many medalists at state. Both programs have consistently placed in the top 10 nationally at the NSDA National Tournament.

• Theatre: Since 1989, Eagan theatre has staged full-length plays, Broadway musicals, and the annual ENCORE showcase involving more than 120 students. The program has earned 19 starred ratings at the Minnesota State One-Act Play Festival and is deeply connected to the community, offering summer performing arts camps for local youth.

• Visual Arts: With more than 340 students enrolled annually, Eagan’s visual arts program offers a wide range of courses, from ceramics and painting to graphic design and AP Art Portfolio. Students regularly earn awards at Scholastic Art Contests and the South Suburban Conference Exhibition.

Across all disciplines, Eagan emphasizes creativity, diversity and excellence, with intentional programming that includes works from composers and artists of varied cultures and backgrounds.

Eagan High School joins an elite list of past recipients of the NFHS Performing Arts School of Excellence Award, including:

• 2024 – Broken Arrow High School, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma

• 2023 – Waterville Senior High School, Waterville, Maine

• 2022 – West Anchorage High School, Anchorage, Alaska

• 2021 – Salem Hills High School, Salem, Utah

• 2020 – Cleveland High School, Portland, Oregon

• 2019 – Oak Grove High School, Hattiesburg, Mississippi

• 2018 – Washburn Rural High School, Topeka, Kansas

• 2017 – Friendswood High School, Friendswood, Texas

• 2016 – Denver School of the Arts, Denver, Colorado