Emily works at Piedmont Elementary, an inner-city school in Charleston, WV. Â The kids there are ethnically diverse and a great number come from poverty homes. Â In spite of those issues (and they are many), there are so many great things about the school. Â The staff generally want to be there (because you wouldn’t stay if you didn’t), and the principal has a passion for doing whatever is best for the kids. Â Piedmont is one of only a few year round schools in WV, thanks to the principal’s passion to serve the kids. Â Year round school gives the kids consistency and at least 2 regular meals year round.
Mr Knighton, the principal also knows a lot of people. Â Yesterday, one of his contacts delivered. Â Franco Harris of the famous Immaculate Reception and the Super Bowl-ring-heavy Pittsburgh Steelers was speaking in Charleston yesterday and had some free time. Â Mr Knighton’s friend was able to schedule some time for the Piedmont kids to meet Franco Harris and he delivered a talk on eating right, making wise choices, etc. Â The kids, none of whom were alive when Franco played football, enjoyed the talk and the chance to meet a football great! Â It was a great treat for the kids and the staff (who DO remember when he played!) Â
Emily was able to have Franco Harris sign my Steelers hat which has taken its rightful position on my pillow, right beside my head. Â He was very gracious to all the kids who had questions and wanted autographs as well. Â I absolutely dig it when sports stars come back to Earth and do great things for people who need it. Â
So what about you…do you have any autographs or stories of famous folks?
