I grew up in a small town right next to the high school football stadium. On fall Fridays, I’d sit in my yard staring at those glowing lights until it was time to join the crowd with my dad, cheering for the Dalhart Golden Wolves on the same field where he once played. When my turn finally came to wear the jersey, I felt an immense sense of pride representing my community and my football family.
Fast forward to today, and that same joy 
remains. You can still find me at school events, cheering on students on the field, the stage, the court, and even in the welding lab or the kitchen.
As a lifelong educator, I know one thing for certain: the best way to keep a student’sgrades up and their spirits high is to help them become part of something bigger than themselves. We all thrive when we feel important, needed, and connected to an inspired mission.
I encourage every parent of a junior high student to help their child find a way to "wear the jersey." It doesn’t always mean being the quarterback or the lead actress. I once met a student named Logan who worked on the stage crew. He was a master set builder. Adults sought his opinion, and his peers looked to him for leadership.
I eventually hired Logan to help at my office; he was named Employee of the Month within eight weeks. Later, I helped him find an architecture internship. Years after that, he became the architect who redesigned the very auditorium where our story began.
There are so many avenues to find a home in high school. The goal is for every student to find a place where they feel valued, hopeful, and loved for the unique gifts they bring to the table. Your child matters and they have a place here that extends well beyond the football field.