It's 7:30 and students start to fill the gym as they do everyday. Finding their friends, eager to talk about anything social media, gaming, music, anime, Taylor Swift; all the while hoping the bell won't ring on time to send them to class.
Wait...that isn't what is happening? They are circled up, talking and planning. One Star leader, Juan Jose, is hyping them up telling them that "we are going to win and they don't see it coming"! What is he talking about?
Well on this day, it is not the an average morning in the gym. There is a different student electricity...an excitement knowing that today is the day they compete against the staff in our first Staff vs Students sports spectacular, cap off our 1st nine weeks celebration pep rally.
Its a simple game to most, but today is a culmination of planning and "trash talk" that has students eager to get on the court. Then...they showed up! Tasking the staff down in the first game. Energy was high and student felt confident that this was going to be their moment. The next two games didnt result in a win, leaving the final game as a 25 to 21 victory by the staff. The loss stung, but it was never about that really.
It was always about building connections. Connections with peers, staff, families, teammates, and most importantly their school. Because that is what it is, their school. A school that thrives to uplift their agency and give them an experience that goes beyond the classroom. A school that has a vision for their future and a passion to empower their potential. To compete in the greatest game, their life.
Thank you 8th grade Stars for making our school connections strong and never backing down from a challenge. You fought hard and deserve great respect! Till next time.....