Growing up in inner-city Houston, the football team at my public high school didn’t have a winning record. We didn’t have much of anything of monetary value: no new uniforms or equipment, no big dollar boosters, and no well-maintained practice field. But we were rich in school spirit and team pride. We were there for every home game cheering our hearts out, even against the toughest opponents. The valuable lessons learned as a student provided great teachable moments for me as the mom of twin daughters decades later.
I learned, and later shared, that you don’t have to be a football player – or even the parent of a football player - to love the game. You just have to be an active member of your school community, and the only qualification is to care about, and support all of your fellow school community members: all the students, the parents, the administrators, teachers, and school staffers, the bus drivers, the security officers, the volunteers, the PTA members, and anyone else who contributes to the educational success, health, and well-being of your fellow school community members.
Despite the portrayal in movies and TV shows, the game highlights shared in 24/7 sports coverage, or the elaborate trophy cases and stadiums of some elite school districts -- high school football isn’t about wins and losses on the field. It’s about the people who support every aspect of the school who make every Friday Night in Texas unforgettable. That’s true in every community, urban or rural. Win or lose. It’s true for this alum of Stephen F. Austin High School in HISD, who is also blessed to have been a Sundancer mom and community member of Westwood High School in RRISD!
