“When I feel that chill, smell that fresh cut grass I'm back in my helmet, cleats and shoulder pads. Standing in the huddle listening to the call. Fans going crazy for the boys of fall. They didn't let just anybody in that club. Took every ounce of heart and sweat and blood. To get to wear those game day jerseys down the hall. Kings of the school man, we're the boys of fall.” When I heard this song, “Boys of Fall” by Kenny Chesney, this summer a smile appeared on my face. I am writing this article in anticipation of our first football game. The boys of fall will be roaming the hall sporting their jerseys. Cheerleaders will be in their uniforms and the band students will be parading in their travel uniforms. It is so great to have that sense of pride. Bobcat Pride!!!

School pride is not just something that is automatic. I have been in schools with no school pride, the halls were dull, students walked with their heads down in the school, and there was no excitement. Not here at Sunray High School though, pride is evident. Our students have a pride-of-self to start with, pride that can be observed. One of my “Big 3 Rules of SHS” is Pride. I talked to the students about having personal pride, walking with their heads high, shaking hands with someone in the appropriate manner, and being true to themselves. You don’t have to be the star athlete, valedictorian, or most popular to have pride, but you must know who you are and your personal beliefs.

It is great to be in a school and community that have pride in our school and youth. SHS is truly a GREAT PLACE TO LEARN!