Proud and thankful for this community

I cannot stop thinking back to state volleyball, state football, and most recently state basketball. Standing outside with my students and their homemade signs waving and cheering as the fire trucks, police cars, and buses came through the bus lane cheering our athletes on as they made their way to the state tournament is something that I will never forget.

My husband and I have been a part of multiple programs in various states, including private and public schools, and both college and high school programs. NEVER have I ever experienced a community come together to cheer each other on the way I witnessed this year. Football stands out most to me because I experienced that send off as a teacher, parent, and coach’s wife. I followed the parade out of town and saw business people out waving, families gathered at the bank (some with larger than life player cutouts--which was my favorite part), and people I had never seen before pulled over on the side of the road, standing in their trucks waving and cheering. As a mom, it brought (and continues to bring now) tears to my eyes.

I have been asked more than once why we would move here from Dallas, Texas where there are more of almost everything. THIS. This is why. We’ve dreamed of our children growing up in towns like we did, where they are known and celebrated. We’ve dreamed of our family being part of a community where people take up for each other and care. We again were able to witness that when people turned out to shine their lights and honor the seniors a few weeks back.

People here care, and it doesn’t take a world-altering virus to make that apparent. We are proud to be part of a community that cares about each other and celebrates each other’s difference and interests (even when they are not their own). 

Nicole Rasmussen

Proud Teacher, Mom, and Community Member