For this Starfish story, I would like to highlight Mr. Cornelius, Mr. McCauley, Mr. Klann, Mrs. Gnodtke and the Front Row Crew for their role in leading the positive environment that has been lurking around our school all year. The movement began as an opportunity to boost student morale, sportsmanship and leadership among our athletic program.

The first time I heard of the “Battle of The Fans” was actually on my first day at Dowagiac after being hired last June. While in Principal Millin’s office discussing the school and the job requirements, Mr. Cornelius walked in with Mr. McCauley. The two of them told Mrs. Millin that they were ready to commit themselves to the journey of Battle of The Fans for the 2014-15 school year!

At the time I don’t believe I knew how BIG this was going to be…  let me tell you, WOW! I have never been so impressed with a group of young people being led by great teachers.

By the time basketball season began and “Christmas on the Court” arrived, everyone was prepared to play Paw Paw. Students came out in droves to support the efforts of the team, school and community. The stands were packed with the band (led by Mr. Keith Klann) playing loud and strong WE were truly united as one.

As the night went by, and the team eventually experiencing a lost by a short margin, the stands cleared and the fans supported one another regardless of how things ended.

This is when I knew just how special this place is. People cared, all due to a few great students and great teachers. The feeling of the school was officially united and it felt genuine. As the season passed the morale continued and the support followed.

To all of the people who had their hand in this movement, a thank you is not enough. You are all great people who are destined to be leaders; do not forget who you are and what you stand for and the rest will be history. As of now, Mr. Cornelius, Mr. McCauley, Mrs. Gnodtke and Mr. Klann along with the entire student section that includes the band, fans and community of Dowagiac you have made history: let’s not leave it there. Let’s keep pushing forward!

 

Mike Churchill

Assistant Principal, Dowagiac Union High School