Sometimes the best examples of Ponder 44 happen when no one is asking for them.
Ponder ISD staff member and parent Jode Jynx Wells recently shared a moment from the Ponder Cross Country team that made her proud, not just as a staff member, but as a mom.
After a cross country race, members of the team could be found cleaning up and taking care of the area around them. They weren’t doing it for recognition. According to Jode, these are habits the athletes have been practicing since seventh grade.
When asked why they do it, Scout had a simple answer:
“We do this because it’s the right thing to do.”
That same character showed up again when Scout noticed athletes from other teams who were hot and thirsty and shared his oranges with them. No one asked him to. He simply saw an opportunity to take care of someone else and did it.
It is a perfect example of #4 of Ponder 44: Lions take care of the den and the pride. Our Lions are encouraged to take care of each other, be respectful of others and their environment, and be inclusive.
Cleaning up after a race is taking care of the den. Looking out for athletes from another school is taking care of the pride. Both matter.
Jode also wanted to recognize Coaches Vanover, Bowden, and Thompson, who have helped create a culture where character matters alongside competition.
“When students have been practicing these habits since seventh grade, that tells you this isn't a one-time lesson,” Jode shared. “These coaches have created a culture where character matters alongside competition.”
For Jode, this team is especially meaningful because her sons, Rhett and Gus, are part of it.
“I am proud to say my sons Rhett and Gus are on the cross country team and they are a part of something very special indeed.”
To Scout, the entire Cross Country team, and Coaches Vanover, Bowden, and Thompson, thank you for showing us what it means to Lead with Purpose and to take care of the den and the pride.
🦁 This is Ponder 44 in action.
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