Last Friday was a beautiful day, weather wise and school wise. We took full advantage of the community that is the entirety of our K-12 school.

As you read in this publication last week, our 8th graders visited the Lower School where they worked with and inspired our 1st and 3rd graders—reading stories, playing games, and having fun. In addition, throughout the week, some of our varsity football players attended the opening Lower School Flag Ceremony where they spoke to the students about their upcoming home opener. They invited the students to attend the game and cheer for them. In short, they asked them to make a difference for the football team. And they listened.

Friday afternoon drew an enormous crowd, with the All-School Barbecue being an excellent accompaniment to the home football and water polo games. Of all the scores and numbers bandied about that day, the one that stood out for me was 67. That was the number of Lower School students in attendance before Keith Sarkisian, Lower School Director, lost count. Their spirit was infectious and had a clear impact on our players. Sure, many of them spent more time tossing their own footballs around in both end zones than actually watching the game, but if you looked closely you could see them trying to imitate our own players. I even heard one of the Lower School students exclaim, about a long pass he had just completed, “Conner B. throws for another touchdown!” And of course, Conner is Brentwood's varsity quarterback.

In addition, the cheer squad and the drill team both performed for an enthusiastic crowd, which in turn kept the players on the field motivated and giving their best.

In the end there was something for everyone, from athletics to socializing to a wonderful barbecue. But best of all, it was our Brentwood community—young and old—sharing a simple afternoon of being together and bearing witness to the young adults our children are becoming right before our eyes. In my mind, this is Brentwood’s very own version of “Friday Night Lights.”

In this same vein, mark next Saturday, October 6, on your calendars as it is Homecoming and the entire community is again invited!

See you then.

Dr. Mike