Roaring Thursdays and High Five Fridays: Inspiring the Next
Generation at LPS through Community Engagement
Caption: Lecanto
cheerleader Alexis Foley greets primary school kids with a high five on Friday,
September 15th (Photo: Abigail Smith).
Lylah Ramsay, Student Writer - Lecanto High School [LHS] places a
significant emphasis on inspiring the younger generation and fostering
traditions within our community. One such tradition that is gaining momentum is
our athletes’ visits to the primary school kids on Fridays. Various sports
teams, including cheerleading, football, and swimming, make these visits to
uplift and inspire these young students. In addition to Fridays, other athletes
visit on Thursdays for Roaring and Reading with a Panther. Like the ‘High-Five
Fridays’ athletes visit classrooms and conduct reading activities with LPS
students. These initiatives not only showcase Lecanto High School's commitment
to community engagement but also highlight the power of mentorship and positive
role models in shaping the future. The bonds formed during these visits serve
as a reminder that a supportive and inclusive community can inspire and uplift
all its members, regardless of age.
With beaming smiles, the Lecanto cheer team welcomed our primary
school students with open arms, determined to brighten their day. Their
cheerful demeanor and energetic spirit were infectious, creating an atmosphere
of excitement that permeated the entire bus ramp.
“I loved that we could greet the kids in the morning, helping them
start their day on a positive note. They were so excited to have the
cheerleaders come and say hi,” said junior Alexis Foley.
In the hearts of the LHS athletes, the true impact of their visits
to Lecanto Primary School [LPS] became evident. These interactions transcended
mere gestures, creating genuine connections and leaving a lasting impression on
both sides of the age spectrum.
“One of the little girls got off the bus and immediately stopped,
jaw dropped in shock because she had no idea we would be there. Then she ran up
and hugged me with the biggest smile, and it made my day instantly. I love how
we're inspiration and a role model for the students at [LPS]," said Foley.
The LHS Football team embarked on a heartfelt mission of
encouragement when they visited our primary school, setting out to inspire and
uplift the young minds within our community.
“It was a fun event, meant to create connections with the younger
students and offer them more support for the future,” said senior Austin
Hornbuckle.
The Lecanto swim team arrived at the primary school, eager to
greet and reassure the young students that there was nothing to fear about high
school.
“It demonstrated that there's no barrier between high schoolers
and elementary school kids, and we're all on a journey toward the same goals. It was a
special moment for both the younger kids and us, showing that every sport and
every club is connected," said swim captain Lia Richards.