Signs outside a teacher’s door recognize “adopted” student atheletes. “I visited Ms. Key in her classroom on day during the rotational period, and I saw my name on her wall,” Journee Glasby, freshman, said. “I got very excited because one of my teachers from before said I was adopted but I didn’t know who. I had to find out on my own. It just made me feel like our relationship was special and that I was loved.”

In an effort to increase student morale, U. City implemented “adopt a player.” Dr. Valerie Carter-Thomas, associate principal, put together a spreadsheet of all student athletes for students to “adopt” for the fall season. The goal was for all student athletes to feel supported and appreciated while representing our school colors. 

“Different staff members adopted a kid, meaning you’d rep that child,” Dr. Carter-Thomas said. “You’d put the certificate on your door, support them by coming to a game and giving pep talks as little as a pat on the back. Even a simple “good morning” and things of that sort.”

This was open to all teachers. Staff got to pick a kid or kids of their choice and hopes that athletes know that sports are an important part of school and an important part of life. Students who participate in sports and clubs know what it means to start something and keep working hard to improve regardless of skill level.

“This helps me push through a lot of things to challenge myself,” Firral Jefferies, senior, said. “This makes me stronger and helps me keep going. I believe this should continue; all kids should know how it feels to be supported to the fullest.”  

There are currently 240 fall sport students that have been adopted.

“This is a way for staff to more directly show their support for students in the building,” Matthew Tuths, Latin and restorative justice teacher, said. “I chose students that take my class, because it’s important that they know I not only support them academically but as a person as well.”

Adopting a player is something the school wants to continue with for both winter and spring sports, so that way all sport players get to experience the school support they deserve. 

 “We want to get in the school spirit,” Carter-Thomas said. “We feel like this cohesive group, like we’re a part of a big family. The cheerleaders are a big part of that on the field, so we get to be their cheerleaders in the building.” 

Adopting a player is not just a “program.” It’s a way to help increase the school spirit around our sports teams, so that the students feel good about wearing Gold and Black knowing that they have the whole school rooting for them.

           “I think that it’s really important to support our teams.” Dr.Carter-Thomas stated. “I want us to start steering away from bad mouthing our teams, I want to always support them whether they win or lose. It’s important that they know when people are wearing Ucity High School uniforms. It’s a special thing, there’s a huge community behind it.” 

Transition:

“It makes me feel more value in the sport I play.” Tyler, senior, said. “I’m very happy and appreciative of my favorite teacher adopting me. It makes me feel better about myself knowing that I have someone to have my back during the times I need encouragement most.”

Transition:

I feel like this is a good and positive way of bringing us all together as one. Antony Davis, Junior, said. “I like feeling like I’m a part of a big family. Without this I probably wouldn’t be able to play the game with as much enthusiasm as I.. Adopting a player helps me build more morale within myself. I am very proud to call myself a Ucity Lion.