
On Friday night, as we pursue our 1-0 goal for another week, we’ll be honoring the people who helped instill focus and goal setting in the first place, the true MVPs of our school and community: our Teachers! All area teachers with their school badge will receive free admission to Friday night’s game. Moreover, each of our players will be handing out a personal invitation to a teacher who has made an impact on their lives, each in his own way, conveying thanks and appreciation for efforts in the classroom and, in some cases, beyond.
Our teachers are the backbone of our community. While academics remain their primary mission, their pursuit of excellence impacts every aspect of students’ lives. They serve as mentors, role models, and often become a second family to students. They don’t just teach content—they ignite curiosity and instill a love of learning. Beyond teaching what we should learn, they show us how to approach learning itself. While cause and effect, problem solving, and language skills come to mind, our teachers also help us translate academic lessons into real-world wisdom. Their commitment often exceeds the confines of the classroom and school day, and they recognize when their students are struggling academically, emotionally, and socially, and often step in with care and concern.

Over time, students may forget specific lessons, equations, and formulas, but they never forget the life-changing teacher who shaped who they became. If you’re fortunate, like I am, you can recall a teacher or two who left a lasting mark on your life. You may not be able to hand-deliver a game invitation, but with a little effort—maybe some Googling—there’s a good chance you can still reach out and say thank you. Trust me, you’ll make their day!
Coach Rich Alercio is available to discuss coaching philosophy, X’s & O’s, or teach his O-Line “techniques in the trenches.” Contact Coach at richalercio@gmail.com and share http://www.olineskills.com with your colleagues and friends. Thanks for supporting this blog and joining our conversations, and as always, thanks for your time!