Raging the charts and scoreboards may come and go. But do you know what makes the difference in sports? It’s the off-field antics. Lately, Reeltown High School in Alabama thought of making their football game much more than touchdowns. Instead, using the game they honored a 16-year-old’s legacy wish. The teenager had requested a Make-A-Wish grant for a new band uniform which came true on October 11. Alabama is setting a good example for others. Not only high school, but their college football program Alabama Crimson Tide is a forerunner when it comes to charitable endeavors. 

Last Friday night was a bit different for Reeltown High School. They celebrated senior night at their football game but it had more to offer than the gridiron action. The school went into making their 16-year-old student Melody Jackson’s dying wish come true. Jackson had been the alto saxophonist at Reeltown High when she decided to organize a grant to upgrade the band uniform that would cost $30,000. She had kept the plan safe while the work with officials continued.

Sadly, the cancer victim passed away on February 2 leaving the work half-done. And here the Reeltown High took the initiative to pick things up from she had left. During the football game, the school band stepped onto the field donning the new uniform. Jackson’s family was there to witness the magical night when they were handed her band jacket along with a plaque to commemorate her legacy during halftime. And what was special about the uniform this time?

Well, the Reeltown High School came up with something really special in Jackson’s honor. The jackets donned by each member featured a pin with a heart. The design courtesy goes to her brother who put his words into the design that read, “Within Our Hearts There Will Always Ring A Melody.” That’s how you set examples for the society. And guess what? It’s not just the high school. 

Championing community causes from Reeltown High School to college football

Just like Reeltown High School, the college football program of Alabama has also dedicated itself to a greater cause. While it’s not known who had set the trend, high school or college, Alabama takes pride in the fact that its charitable endeavors are going strong. In the college football realm, everything is managed by the Crimson Tide Foundation. 

After Nick Saban, the new HC Kalen DeBoer is in the driving seat. Having to fill the shoes of someone as big as the GOAT, did not stop DeBoer from diving into charitable initiatives. The most recent one came during the Crimson Tide vs Vanderbilt Commodores on Saturday, October 5. While DeBoer’s program failed to secure a win during the Vandy game, they had definitely won hearts. 

Before the game started, Alabama hosted two special guests for the evening. Two specially-abled siblings, Sawyer and his sister Ellis. The HC took it a notch higher by mentioning their names in his speech, introducing them as “really, really, really special guests.” From Reeltown High to the Crimson Tide, Alabama knows how to master the art of giving back. 

In case you would like to explore concepts like NIL and NFL, you can check on the latest episode of the Think Tank podcast.