Mansfield ISD Magazine Winter 2015 | Page 27

Danny Jones Middle School Throws Pep Rally for Lake Ridge High School Football Team A ny educator will tell you that there’s no feeling quite like the pride of watching your former students go on to do amazing things. For Travis Moore, principal at Danny Jones Middle School, this fall has been marked with the joy of watching former students conquer the football field as Lake Ridge Eagles. When Moore wanted to come up with a way to display pride and support for the Lake Ridge High School varsity football team, he devised a plan to throw the biggest and best pep rally in their honor. “We at Danny Jones Middle School are so incredibly proud of the Lake Ridge football team for their tremendous accomplishments this season,” said Moore. “Many of our former students are playing for the Eagles now, but to us they will always be Danny Jones Bulldogs!” On Friday, November 20, the Danny Jones student gathered in the gym, spirit signs in hand, excitedly waiting to give a warm welcome to the Lake Ridge Eagles. The excitement was palpable as Coach Thor and his undefeated squad entered the gym to find thunderous applause, spirit signs, and a lineup of special student performances. The Danny Jones band even learned the LRHS fight song for the special occasion. For many of the athletes, the pep rally was a homecoming of sorts. Jack Lechman, starting middle linebacker and former Danny Jones Bulldog addressed the student body of his former middle school. “This is amazing, thank you so much Danny Jones Middle School!” said Lechman. “I remember sitting in these same bleachers when I went to this school. Enjoy your time here and make the most of it because it goes by quick.” Although the pep rally was in honor of a record-breaking football season, the meaning behind the gesture meant much more to everyone involved. “This pep rally is a perfect representation of the community support Mansfield ISD schools give to each other,” said Dr. Vonda Nunley, principal at Lake Ridge High School. “We are a family and we support and celebrate each other. We are so grateful to Danny Jones Middle School for this amazing movement of support.” DJMS band students showed their support through song. LRHS head football coach Kirk Thor and player Jack Lechman expressed their gratitude to the DJMS student body. Mansfield School & Family 25