Football Captain Isaac Smith knew right away what teacher he wanted to recognize for tonight’s Faculty/Staff Appreciation football game.
In AP Psychology class, Kyle Fleming creates a welcoming space for students, including Isaac, where they can feel comfortable. “I chose Mr. Fleming because he’s someone anyone at the school can go to and talk with about life. It’s always been easy to share what’s going on with him, and I know he won’t judge me,” he said.
Tonight, the football team honors Fleming and other chosen adults in the third-annual edition of the game. Organized by head coach Alex Nicholson, the day represents gratitude and respect for SHHS staff.
Nicholson said he got the idea from his high school and brought the event to SHHS in 2023 in hopes of giving teachers a rare thank you. “The impact teachers make on our kids’ lives is immeasurable,” he said. “You really don’t know the impact until five to 10 years down the road, so it’s always nice to show our teachers that they are appreciated.”
He said the event is something he always wanted to do. “It is a great day. It’s been a great day the past couple of years we’ve done this,” Nicholson said. “It’s such a cool thing to look a teacher in the eye and say, ´Thank you.’ ” He said he aims to instill appreciation for others in his players. ¨I think it impacts the team being able to demonstrate gratitude,” Nicholson said.
The week kicks off with seniors inviting faculty and staff who are important to them to wear their jerseys to school on Friday and attend the football game tonight. Those adults will serve as honorary captains at the 7 p.m. game against GCC foe Lorain at Russell H. Rupp Stadium. They will be called down to the field between the first and second quarters to be recognized.
The SHHS men’s varsity basketball team holds a similar ceremony, with the squad honoring faculty and staff before the Raiders´ first playoff game.
Wide receiver Kevin Lowry said that the event is a chance to give back to his teachers. “The day is big because everyone has a teacher that holds a special place and is really like a friend or parent, so when we get to give them our jersey, we can really shout them out,” Lowry said.
Quarterback Quinn Malone said he appreciates the opportunity to honor his Latin teacher, Joseph Barresi. “[He] has taught me for three years, and I really appreciate all the hard work and effort that he puts into his teaching,” Malone said. “He is so passionate about teaching the classics, and I love how he gives me stuff that makes me think.”
Cornerback Dion Smith said he considers the event a chance to let his AP European History teacher, Paul Kelly, know how much he means to him. ¨I chose Mr. Kelly because he always gave good advice that kept me out of trouble and helped me focus in the classroom,¨ Dion said.
Nicholson said he reserves the honor for the program’s most experienced players. ¨We want to keep it to the seniors to make it special for them,¨ he said.
“Most guys choose a teacher that has impacted them throughout the years; that’s why it’s seniors that choose,” Isaac Smith said.
Science teacher Dr. Kerry O’Connor will represent punter Loukas White at the game. She said the staff collaborates with coaches to help student athletes succeed. ¨We do check in with coaches and make sure everyone is doing everything they can to really be ready on the field and in the classroom, and it’s kind of cool for the programs to say thanks back,¨ O’Connor said.
Senior running back Rayhon Johnson chose English teacher Hunter McGonnell for his ability to connect with students. “He’s always a teacher I could be myself around and was always chill,” Johnson said.
Isaac Smith said, “It’s really important to acknowledge the people in the building that make coming to school worth it.”
