The professional organization of Minnesota athletic directors has selected Northfield High School’s Tom Graupmann as the Activities Administrator of the Year for Class AA schools. The Minnesota Interscholastic Athletic Administrative Association (MnIAAA) will hold a formal presentation of the award in March.

Graupmann was selected from eight Class AA regional nominees, who have distinguished themselves or otherwise made significant contributions to Minnesota high school athletics. The “AA” classification, assigned by the Minnesota State High School League, indicates schools with a minimum enrollment of 500; whereas Class A schools have less than 500 students.

Tim Hermann, a MnIAAA vice president and White Bear Lake Area High School Activities Director, has worked with Graupmann over several years as the director of competing teams.

“All of the candidates were hugely qualified. It’s just that Tom really stood out,” Hermann said. “The amazing thing about Tom is that he is involved in so many things. His body of work is very impressive, but his concentration, both professionally and at the high school level, is also pretty impressive.”

Graupmann began his career in Northfield Public Schools as a teacher and coach, and among other notable accomplishments, he holds a master’s degree in education, is a Certified Master Athletic Administrator (CMAA), and has served on the board of the MnIAAA and currently is on the board of the Minnesota State High School League.

Some of the extra tasks Graupmann is known for taking on include tournament and event management, advising student-led groups, and teaming up on projects with community groups and other schools who compete in the same region and conference.

His most recent passion, says daughter-in-law and fellow high school staff member Emileana Graupmann, is working to help developing coaches in Minnesota by providing increased opportunities for tailored training.

“To say that Tom goes above and beyond the expected is an understatement,” Graupmann said. “More importantly, Tom will drop whatever he is doing to speak with someone and let them know they matter. He is an advocate not just for co-curricular activities, but also for the students and individuals who participate.”