As I reflect on the past week, I am reminded what an awesome community in which I live and work. I was reminded this past week on a couple of specific occasions. One in the classroom and once in a much more public arena (Carnes Field).
The first reminder was in HS choir on Thursday. A member, of just a few short weeks was comforted by several members of the group as she shared with us that she would be leaving to return to her home state. She had been working on a Solo to sing at our annual showcase in the Spring. However, She found out this week that she would be leaving the foster home at Southern Wells to return to her home state of Minnesota for some legal proceedings related to her guardianship. After pouring out her heart to us, she sang a song honoring her deceased father. She has been so hopeful to be able publicly honor her father in this way at Showcase 2017. Her future uncertain, she wanted to share it with us before leaving. In the moments following, several of our students reached out to her to comfort and support her in her fear. My prayers go after her in the coming weeks as she goes through this trial in her life. I don't know if we will ever see her again, but in that moment as their teacher, I was moved.
The second situation happened when Sam Smith of the Raider Football team went down injured on the field. For several minutes seeming like an eternity, the crowd, fellow players, cheerleaders and band stood silent as we were unsure what the future would hold for this young man. We all know the risks to our bodies of playing sports, but the result of this incident and the moments that followed will remain with me for quite some time. After several minutes, a woman from the crowd came out on the track and gathered the cheerleaders and football players together in a prayer circle where she led them in passionate pleas for Sam's protection and care as well as the comfort of family members, friends, and fellow Raiders. Several of our students were encouraged and took up the call to pray as well during the next moments as the medical team prepared to move Sam to the ambulance for transport. After Sam was taken off the field and the teams were preparing to finish the game some opposing players and others from Park Tudor, moved by the display, came across the field to join the circle for a brief time in prayer as well.
I am sure that situations like these probably happen at other schools. But, I am also sure that they aren't fostered at others. I am extremely thankful that I work at a school where we care about our fellow students, parents, teachers, coaches, and other fellow Raiders in a manner deep enough to be there to support each other in time of trial.
