Photo credit: Aislyn McLean, GHS Student InternThe fourth year of the “Staff Appreciation Night” Game took place on September 30 v. Kennebunk. Coach Morrison brought this tradition to Gorham in 2018 from his previous coaching position in Virginia.
Coach explained, “Each year sophomore through senior members of the Gorham Football team is asked to present a Jersey to a Staff member that has had a positive impact on their High School experience to this point. Players are asked to invite the staff member to the game as well and join the team for a group picture before the game.”
This year, Coach Morrison shared a few of the students’ testimonies that were recognized and announced over the GHS sound system at the game.
The coach began with, “Senior captain, Hayden Battaglia, chose Randy Perkins. He has known Mr. Perkins for a long time.” Referring again to Battaglia’s testimony, Morrison said, “His class brought more enthusiasm to his school day. His class and the curriculum were even better than he expected; he learned a great deal that he plans to use in everyday life.”
For the second testimony, Morrison said, “Senior Ian Connors chose Ian Ryan. Mr. Ryan always checked up on him during his sophomore year when we had classes every other day to make sure he was doing okay. It meant a lot to him that even during the COVID-19 school year one of his teachers kept an eye on him.”
The third testimony was then read by Morrison. “Senior Malachi Scribner chose his advisor Ms. Soule.” Then quoting Scribner, he read, “I have been with her for 3 years now and she always keeps it fun during advisory time. I always feel comfortable that I could stop by and ask her anything during the school day. She has always been very helpful.”
For the fourth testimony, Senior Cody Sellick chose Coach T to give his Jersey # to wear. Quoting Sellick, Morrison announced, “I chose Coach T because he was really influential to me my freshman year. Also, throughout the years, I’ve known him, he’s become a friend to me and has helped with a lot of things. Seeing him in the hallways and everywhere puts a smile on my face.”
This community tradition has also caught the attention of other area schools who have applied a similar event into their season. It is such a fun way to be recognized and stay connected to students for years to come.
Congratulations to all of this year’s participants.