The NFL Experience

Superbowl XLV is coming to town, and the excitement is building. Sammy and I went to the Dallas Convention Center today to visit the NFL Experience. This is a fair about all things NFL: memorabilia, games to play, real NFL players, and lots of things for sale.

Sammy, who is a big Ravens fan, really enjoyed being immersed in all things NFL. He did not mind the lines waiting to run a football, throw a football, or kick a field goal. He also had his picture taken in a lot of different NFL team outfits.

Rachel's challenge

Sammy was recognized as a Longhorn Leader during a Wilmeth Rally at his school this week. One student from each of the classes of his school was chosen by their teacher. Longhorn Leaders are students who have shown exemplary friendship and leadership as well as given 100% best effort on their school work. Congratulations to Sammy!

The rally was part of a Rachel's Challenge. A high school student from Colorado, Rachel Scott, had a theory that if one person can go out of their way to show compassion then it will start a chain reaction of the same.

Rachel Scott was the first person killed at Columbine High School on April 20, 1999. Her acts of kindness and compassion coupled with the contents of her six diaries have become the foundation for one of the most life-changing school programs in America to spread kindness and compassion.

Video footage of Rachel's life and the Columbine tragedy is used to teach students to positive change in the way they treat others.