Even with classes paused for the week, we still had numerous student groups representing PHS. Our boys and girls basketball teams went 4-0 this week with wins over Plainview, Memphis, and Groom. Our wrestlers had a good showing at Randall and Tascosa. When we return to school, it won’t be long before district basketball and soccer season starts. As we pause for this week of thanksgiving, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on what I’m thankful for. I’ve served in several other school districts and communities and I know firsthand, we have much to be thankful for.
I’m thankful for our students. All of them. Not just the ones I only get to see at extracurricular events or honor banquets, but for all 1061 of them that cross the threshold of Pampa High School daily. I’m thankful for the ones who need our guidance, support, and love. I’m thankful for those students who are not perfect, and need us to help them reach their potential. These tend to be the students who come to greet me in public and want to be my “friends” on social media platforms. I’m thankful for our students who take time to serve our community and give back. I’m thankful for our students who compete valiantly, often times against programs that are better funded and at times more talented. They never turn down the challenge and make no excuses. I’m thankful for our students who excel and will make this world a better place.
I’m thankful for our staff. I’m thankful for all 126 of them who wake up daily and choose to serve our students here in Pampa. With the teacher shortage, all of these people could leave our campus today and find a private sector job that offers more money with less stress, but they willingly choose to stay. I’m thankful we have a building full of staff who arrive early, leave late, and work weekends and summers all for the opportunity to help benefits kids. I’m thankful for coaches, sponsors, and directors who spend countless hours to serve our students. I’m thankful for our support staff, office staff, cafeteria staff, and custodial staff who meet the needs of our special populations and make the campus run smoothly on a daily basis. I’m thankful we have staff who work tirelessly to meet the social, emotional, and other non-academic needs of students. I’m thankful for staff who help students apply for college, learn career specific skills, push them to achieve their dreams, and challenge them to grow academically and into adults who will have the opportunity to prosper.
I’m thankful for Pampa High School and this community. I’m thankful that our campus is supported by a community who backs all extracurricular programs. I’m thankful that we have a community who puts their trust in us and allows us to pour into kids the knowledge and skills they need to be successful. I’m thankful for the parental support for our students as we push them to be better and to embrace and grow through struggles in challenging curriculum areas. I’m thankful to see stands and auditoriums full of people who support our kids at games, ceremonies, productions, and graduations. I’m thankful for the life Pampa High School has given me, my family, and one day my kids. I’m thankful to be a Harvester!
