Читать книгу The Faith of the Blind Coach - Nathaniel Farley Jr. - Страница 17

Years of Life’s Teachings, Lessons Learned under James P. Small at New Stanton Senior High School (1962–1965)

Life at New Stanton Senior High School

After spring football training was over, school began at New Stanton Senior High School. Every morning the school would always pray at the beginning of each day before they give the announcements over the PA system.

I learned that the entire school would come together in the gymnasium the last two periods on the day of a game for a pep rally. Once the student body was in the gym, the band would march in, playing the fight song “On Blue Devils.” once the band had gotten set up in a concert-like position, sitting in chairs, then the drummers would get things going by playing something that would get the student body fired up. While we were in the locker room preparing to be introduced to the student body for the first time, the student body would be having a great time with various cheers directed by the cheerleaders. Then after that, the vice principal of the school, Mr. Elwood Banks, who was also the voice of the Blue Devils and the announcer at our home football games, would get things going for the school pep rallies. Before the program began, the atmosphere had been set. The student body and teachers would bow their heads in prayer (this was the tradition and routine in the African American communities’ schools during this time). After prayer the band would play the National Anthem. Everyone would stand as this was the same procedure at our football games, at other sporting events and programs at school, other events. We would just have a prayer and recite, “I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and just for all.” The schools in the African American communities during those days would do this as a reminder of who is in control of our country. I personally feel and know that prayer is the key and should be a part of our lives. It is and always will be a part of my life and my family’s lives. As the scripture said in Joshua 25:15 (GNB), “As For me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

At the end of the pep rally, we would sing the school’s alma mater. Then we would close with a prayer. After the pep rally, the drummers would remain at the school just playing and practicing some drum cadences that they would perform during the halftime show of a game and in the stands to get the student body and fans all excited and pumped up. You could hear the drumming sounds throughout the community for about two hours before a game.