Shannon Tenner, the principal of Justice Page Middle School in South Minneapolis, has dedicated her life to education and community empowerment. On a typical December school day, she walked into what she thought was a routine gathering — only to be surprised with a $10,000 grant from the Minnesota Vikings as part of the NFL’s Inspire Change Changemakers program.
“I came in here thinking it was for somebody else,” Tenner said, her voice filled with emotion. “You never think you’ll receive this much recognition for the work we do with students. I’m humbled, I’m honored, and I love, love, love working with students — that’s my passion.”
The $10,000 grant reflects Tenner’s unwavering commitment to her students and the broader South Minneapolis community. Half of the funds will directly support classroom resources and much-needed upgrades to the school’s aging auditorium. The other half will go to Onika’s Angels, a nonprofit organization that distributes food and other essentials at the school.
“This year there was an additional crunch on the district, so every bit helps,” Tenner said. “I don’t have as much money as I normally would have to assist with things like that.”
Shannon Tanner with 6th-grader Cameron Adams holding an official NFL helmetCredit: Onika Nicole Craven
In 2018, all NFL teams adopted a matching grant initiative to support local social justice organizations. In the summer of 2020, $250 million was dedicated over 10 years to support community impact work, including the launch of the Inspire Change Changemakers award.
Justice Page Middle School, serving 1,050 students, has had its challenges. While 34% of its students come from low-income families, the school does not qualify for Title I funding, which provides additional federal resources to schools with high percentages of low-income students.
Tenner’s journey as an educator spans more than 25 years, beginning as a daycare provider and culminating in her role as a principal. The St. Paul native credits much of her success to the mentorship she received during her time as a Page Scholar through the Page Education Foundation.
The Page Education Foundation, named for its founder and former NFL player Alan Page, nominated Tenner for the award. Tenner’s school also is named in his honor.
“We’ve never had an award of this magnitude given to one of our former recipients, what we like to call our Page Scholar alums,” said Amanda Moua, the foundation’s executive director. “Because Shannon is receiving it for her work as the principal of Justice Page Middle School, it’s like a two-for-one.”
The Page Education Foundation has provided scholarships for Minnesota students of color to pursue post-secondary education for 37 years. Scholarship recipients have one major requirement: Provide volunteer work in the community. And Tenner did just that.
“Shannon essentially began volunteering her college year as a recipient back in the ‘90s when she was a recipient of our scholarship at the University of Minnesota.” Moua said. “Her work in education has just continued from there and has gotten even better. That’s what our intention is: to create heroes through education and service, and then our heroes like Shannon, they go on to create more heroes in education.”
The Inspire Change program has supported more than 35 nonprofits while driving progress in education, economic advancement, police-community relations, and criminal justice reform. Tenner’s award marks the third Changemaker grant given to a Minnesotan. Previous recipients were All Square, a Minneapolis-based nonprofit that invests in people impacted by mass incarceration, and Mark Graves, a branch director with the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities.
“Shannon came to our attention a while back as a recipient of a Page Scholar Award from the Page Education Foundation,” said Brett Taber, vice president of social impact for the Vikings. “We learned about how she has built relationships with students beyond the classroom, built trust, served as a mentor, and helped young people see a future for themselves that they might not have seen otherwise. That is the power of education and is what makes Shannon so special and deserving.”
Her leadership at Justice Page extends beyond academics. She has worked tirelessly to provide students with access to the arts, world languages, and cultural activities.
Tenner was officially honored during a timeout at the Minnesota Vikings game on Dec. 16, where a video showcased the emotional surprise presentation at her school. In addition to the grant, Tenner also will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to the Super Bowl.
Tenner had many people to thank for the award.
“From what I know, Alan Page had direct involvement. Many, many, gratitudes of thanks for his support and the support of the Page Education Foundation,” Tenner said. “Brett Taber, many thanks to him in bringing this together. There are a handful of people I know who were instrumental changemakers for me, going through the ranks of education. I continue to be humbled and honored.”
