A Ceremony In Remembrance
Staff Photo by Tahra Williams
Over the summer, Maury Middle School unexpectedly lost a student and football player. Nicholas Counts, who would have been in 7th grade this year, suddenly passed away at the age of 11. It was a heartbreaking loss for his school, team mates, and community.
At the last home game Tuesday night, MMS held a remembrance ceremony immediately following the game. Assistant Principal Angie Rogers described Nick as a wonderful young man who they enjoyed having as part of their school.
Because the game was being played against Jefferson Middle School, Mrs. Rogers also paid tribute to Coach Johnny Reagan who passed away suddenly this past Saturday. Coach Reagan was a part of many lives in the community and touched everyone he met in some way.
While Andi Potts read a poem entitled “Like a Ship Sailing Home”, several volunteers lit and released luminaries into the sky. Both teams gathered together in center field to remember these two people who will be part of our memories forever.
After the ceremony, Maury Coach Greg Manis and Jefferson Coach Chip Watkins took a moment to speak to the combined teams. Though they are considered rival teams now, these boys will be playing together on the high school field in the future. It is important they learn the true meaning of team as they work their way up in the sport. Once the coaches were finished speaking, the boys joined together with their hands on each other shoulders and one of the players lifted a prayer.
Coach Manis said he did not have the chance to coach Nick with this being his first year at MMS, but he and his team have spoken about him during their practices and meetings. He said the team has had a lot of discussion this year about life and doing the right things. They have talked about how to conduct themselves on and off the field. He says for thirteen year olds they listen very well and he is proud of the boys and their accomplishments this year.
