Latest News

Correspondence – Patrick Farrand, Superintendent, Lisbon CSD

I had met Simon during one of my presentations as I was asking questions to open up the students “invisible back packs”. He would share with us that both his parents had died. Before he left my presentation, I gave him an AWRA 99 t-shirt.

Hi Coach, I am thankful you were able to make time for us.

This is Simon. Simon was basically told he couldn’t help with setting out chairs in the late afternoon the day you came to the school. Many do not know his back story and staying after school before basketball practice is important to him. So, he likes to help others before practice.

He came to my office asking if I would take a picture of him with the AWRA shirt you gave to him. He asked me to make sure I sent the photo to you as a thank you for recognizing him. He went on to tell me that both his parents have passed away.

He ate some chips. It is hard for him to understand the loss of his parents, not knowing when they had passed and why he cannot help others sometimes. All he wants to do is help and belong. The best part was that he couldn’t wait to wear his AWRA shirt. He asked me for some coffee.

What a kid! As I left he asked me to drive safe. The next day the custodian told me Simon was wandering the halls with his gym bag with his 99-shirt draped over it and a coffee in hand asking if he could help the maintenance crew out in some way until his game.

Selfless and full of gratitude. He said you made him happy and sad to think about his parents. He said it was good that you did.