Officer Mike Miller has taught the D.A.R.E. Program for over 20 years in our school district. For this year's class, Officer Miller brought in Porter Ellett to speak to the 5th-8th grade students at an assembly in the Panther Den. Porter is a coach for the Kansas City Chiefs. He spoke to the students about Five Lessons:
- Think Outside the Box
- Be Humble
- Sacrifice
- Don't Quit
- Be a Leader
After each lesson, he gave examples in his own life of how he was able to apply these principles on his journey to where he is now. One example he used is how he had to "think outside the box" when learning to tie his shoes.
Porter was 4 years old when he lost the use of his right arm in an accident. At 10 years old, he still hadn't learned how to tie his shoes because it was easier to just ask someone else to do it for him. His Mom told him that if he learned to tie his shoes, she would buy him a new pair of Nike Jordan shoes. He struggled and struggled to tie his shoes with his one functioning hand, but he was determined. Porter and his Mom had to think outside the box to figure out how he could accomplish this task. They found a way that worked and he got his new pair of Jordans! Porter asked a few students to come forward and try to tie their shoes with one hand. After trying for a few minutes, he showed them his trick; first tie the knot and then hold one side of the laces under his shoe while he pulled it tight. He encouraged the students to think of different ways to achieve success in their lives. He then went on to talk about four other life lessons.
When Porter was finished talking, he signed autographs and let the students see his AFC Championship Ring and his first Superbowl Ring. He let them pick them up, wear them, and take photos. He will receive this year's Superbowl Ring soon.
If you would like to learn more about him, watch Porter Ellet's Story.
Thank you Officer Miller and Coach Ellett!