Honoring Excellence in Officiating: Jared Butson Receives Region 1AA Award

High school athletics rely heavily on the dedication of individuals who are willing to don the stripes and facilitate competition with integrity and professionalism. Recently, Region 1AA recognized one such individual for his exemplary service, presenting the Officials Award to RAOA member Jared Butson.

Butson, a familiar and respected presence across southeastern Minnesota, serves as an official for both football in the fall and basketball in the winter. The Region 1AA Officials Award is designed to honor those who demonstrate outstanding achievements and a sustained commitment to service for the region's member schools. It recognizes not just the ability to adjudicate a game fairly, but the consistency, reliability, and positive demeanor that enhances the educational athletics environment.

The significance of this honor is underscored by the nomination process. Butson was nominated by Curt Hughes, the Activities Director at Stewartville High School. In a landscape where the relationship between officials and school administration is crucial, having an AD actively champion an official's work is a high compliment. The partnership and mutual respect between the two are evident, with Butson pictured on the left receiving the recognition alongside Hughes on the right.

Rochester Area Officials Assocation extends its congratulations to Jared Butson on this well-deserved achievement. His dedication to serving the student-athletes and schools of Region 1AA sets a high standard for officiating in the area. We also thank Curt Hughes and Stewartville High School for taking the time to recognize the vital role that quality officials play in high school sports.