This year, coach Shawn Hook is bringing a new tradition to the football program. By creating a time where players can express their gratitude for teachers and staff, Hook said he wanted to push his players to grow not only as athletes but as people. 

“There’s a lot of stereotypes with football players in the past, but we just want people to understand that they’re good kids,” Hook said. “It’s the best part of my day being around them.”

Varsity football player, junior Andrew Fekete said he chose to recognize principal Denae Nurnberg in his letter for her positivity and encouragement. 

“She’s always looking at the day with a positive attitude, being nice to others and she leads the school very well,” Fekete said. “To be able to really show that appreciation in the special way that coach Hook gave us is great.”

Upon receiving the letter, Nurnberg said she felt deeply appreciative of the recognition and was shocked that she was chosen despite not being a teacher.

“I almost started to cry, and it was very touching,” Nurnberg said. “I felt very honored that he chose me and thought of me because I know teachers are the people that [students] talk to every day, so it was really nice that he thought of me.” 

The football team’s appreciation sets a more encouraging tone across campus, as recognizing people can have a lasting impact, Nurnberg said.

“Hook is raising our football players to be more than just athletes on the field, but also good members within our local community,” Nurnberg said. “He is also pushing them to think beyond the football fields, [and to] who has helped them, who is a positive influence in their life, and I really appreciate that.” 

Ultimately, Nurnberg said this new tradition will positively impact both the players and staff.

“Anytime you express gratitude to others, it helps you. It’s a reflective activity for yourself as a student, as a person and it just helps you grow into a stronger adult,” Nurnberg said. “It also helps the adults on campus realize that they are having an impact on the students in a way that they may not think they are.”