At Burrowes Elementary, learning doesn’t just happen at a desk it happens out on the field, too. Students in Mrs. Gordon’s fourth and fifth grade class got an unforgettable surprise.
In a first-of-its-kind visit, 13 players from the F&M football team, along with one of their coaches, joined us to lead an afternoon of athletic activities and mentoring. The idea sparked from a simple request: Mrs. Gordon wanted to offer her students more hands-on opportunities without leaving the school grounds. With her class showing a strong interest in athletics, especially football, it felt like the perfect fit to bring in some local athletes to engage them directly.
The football players wasted no time getting involved. They started with agility, flexibility, and conditioning drill, the same routines the college team uses to prepare for practices and games. Our students were fully immersed, running through the exercises and gaining insight into the dedication it takes to be part of a competitive team. The players worked side by side with the students, encouraging them through each step, creating a supportive and high-energy environment.
Because of the large turnout, a few players even branched off to join a game of kickball with some of the younger students on campus. This spontaneous moment turned into an unexpected highlight of the afternoon, showing just how easily the visiting athletes connected with students across different age groups.
But beyond the drills and games, the heart of the visit was in the conversations that unfolded. The athletes sat down with Mrs. Gordon’s class to talk about their experiences, focusing on the importance of teamwork, discipline, and, just as crucially, academics. They explained that being part of the football team isn’t just about athletic skill, but it requires strong academic performance to stay eligible to play. This message reinforced what our students hear every day: success in any field starts with a commitment to their studies.
For many of our students, seeing college athletes up close, and hearing their personal stories, made the idea of higher education and personal achievement feel more tangible. Several players shared what they’re studying, what their daily schedules look like, and how football has been a tool to help them pursue their goals beyond the sport itself.
This event is a clear reflection of our commitment to the community school model, it was creating opportunities that nurture students’ personal growth, broaden their horizons, and help them build connections to the wider world around them. Earlier in the year, Mrs. Gordon’s class had already participated in a STEM activity centered on engineering and geometry, and had welcomed local musician Alex Colón for creativity workshops. This football visit built on that momentum in a different way, by focusing on physical fitness, mentorship, and life skills.
The experience underscored how impactful it can be to have positive male role models visit and engage with students in a hands-on way, especially when those mentors aren’t far removed in age and can build rapport quickly.
By the end of the visit, the connection between the players and our students was clear. In just over an hour, the group went from strangers to teammates, united by shared experiences and mutual respect. Before leaving, the coach even extended an invitation for Mrs. Gordon’s students to attend one of their upcoming games as special guests, a gesture that left the kids buzzing with excitement and pride.
Looking ahead, both Burrowes staff and the football team are eager to keep the connection going. Plans are already in the works for next school year, including the possibility of regular visits, a pen-pal program to strengthen communication skills, and even opportunities for our students to visit the college campus.
These are the kinds of partnerships that show what’s possible when schools and community resources come together with a shared purpose: to inspire, to engage, and to give students experiences that open their eyes to new possibilities.