Personal testimonies of perseverance are inspiring and motivating, especially when shared by three Varsity Football players. Defensive back, Kekai DeMello, wide receiver Lionel Fujioka, and kicker Kodi Look selflessly gave up their time to share their stories about choosing to move on and not give up with the 3rd grade class. Though they encountered much confusion, loneliness, and pain, today these three individuals have no regrets.
Kekai DeMello awed the audience as he explained how he has struggled academically and had followed the wrong crowd in the past. The children listened as he shared how he made a decision to no longer allow other people to negatively influence his life. This realization came after he pondered the questions, "Who am I?" and "What do I want to be?" He challenged the 3rd grade students to respect the differences of others and more importantly, learn from the positive and negative experiences in life. His advice to these youngsters was, "Your only limits are the limits you set for yourself."
Kodi Look inspired the students with her boldness to try a sport that many people thought she could not and should not play. This multi-gifted senior commented that the preparations for this year's Merrie Monarch competition taught her that hard work, discipline, and commitment pays off. As the only girl on this year's football team, Kodi felt like giving up many times. She endured a lot physically, but her mom's encouraging words, " This is a once in a lifetime chance - don't regret not trying!" guided her to not quit the team. Kodi emphasized that it's important to think about how quitting will affect other people. She knew that if she quit, she'd hurt the team. Kodi's words of wisdom were, "Take a chance! Have a heart and the will to go on! It'll be worth it in the end."
Lionel Fujioka's story touched many hearts. The third graders listened intently as he shared how his mother's sickness and eventual death caused confusion and a lot of hurt. It was difficult for Lionel to continue his involvement in sports because his mother was his biggest fan! He remembers how he could always hear her loud cheering from the sidelines. Despite the emptiness in his life, Lionel decided to pursue his love for sports and got through this very difficult time. He taught the youngsters that although life may be difficult, it's important to take time to accept the tough situations, and then move on.
Seeds of hope and strength to persevere were planted in the hearts of these third grade students thanks to these three "winners!" Anyone who witnessed the State Football championship game saw perseverance by our team in all its glory!
