An impromptu moment at the pep rally today that must be recognized: Coach Harper was making an example of his Tigers, how they stand tall and hold their heads high. He asked the little Tigers, "Who's going to stand up here proudly like this one day?" These three, among others, eagerly raised their hands, and were invited to come down to the floor and practice their show of confidence.

Elliott was so excited to be invited down. At first he was super silly and giggly, and then I noticed his demeanor change as he felt the weight of the situation. He straightened his back, raised his eyes and tightened his jaw. That's when I noticed the lip quiver as he quickly wiped "something" from his eyes... He was simply overcome with pride. In a matter of seconds, I watched that silly little boy grow and mature before my eyes in just the very best way!

Coach Harper and SJS faculty, I want to thank you for instilling this in our son. Today he was able to glimpse himself as part of something bigger, and it has been welling up in him ever since this moment. He attended his first football game tonight, excitedly cheering for the Tigers and counting the moments until he gets to join them on the field. He hasn't stopped talking about being part of the team.

If your son is one of these kids on the field, past, present or future, you should be so proud of them. I am proud of them! They play a much bigger role in the lives of their younger schoolmates than they realize, and I am so grateful that our boys have such amazing role models to look up to. I feel so blessed to have found our SJS family!! ❤
- Leslie Chancellor