Best of the Week 2018-2019: Thanksgiving Edition

HOLY CROSS VALUES: ST. ED'S FOOTBALL TEAM MAKES YOUNG FAN'S DREAM COME TRUE

Last week, our St. Edward Football team went the extra mile for one of their youngest fans, Sam, the grandson of Mr. Donald Nigro '69. Sam has been regularly attending St. Edward football games for the past few weeks, cheering on our Eagles as they continue to advance in the playoffs. Inspired by his love for the Eagles, Sam, a kindergartener at St. Christopher School, penned a story in class about catching a pass from St. Ed's quarterback, Garrett Dzuro '19. Mr. Nigro happened to share a photo of Sam and his narrative (above right) with his work associate, Mr. George Dzuro, Garrett's father. After hearing of Sam's wish, Mr. Dzuro was determined to figure out a way to make Sam's wish a reality.

Last week, Mr. Nigro and Sam were invited to one of St. Ed's football team's practices. Afterward, Sam was brought on the field to meet some of our Eagles and finally received the pass from Garrett that he had been hoping for (above left). "Garrett and the other St. Ed's football players could not have been kinder to Sam," says Mr. Nigro. "They made him feel so welcomed and special and even signed Sam's football that he brought with him. This simple act of kindness will create powerful and lasting memories for Sam. This experience demonstrated the selflessness of these fine players, especially Garrett, along with their leadership qualities and overall influence that goes far beyond the football field. Sam could not wait to show off his signed football and share his story of feeling like a celebrity thanks to the awesome football players at St. Edward."

"Having coached Garrett as quarterback for four years now, I have seen numerous examples of his selflessness and 'team first' attitude. It is never about Garrett, but always about others," says Head Football Coach Tom Lombardo. Athletic Director Kevin Hickman added, "Garrett is a selfless and humble young man. It is not surprising at all that he and his teammates took the time to make Sam's wish come true. This was a humbling moment to witness to say the least." Our Eagles' act of kindness, making Sam's wish come true, was a testament to how students at St. Ed's live out our Holy Cross values every day.