High School Jersey Retirement Ceremony: Humbling
One of my more memorable experiences in the last couple years was my Jersey Retirement Ceremony for my High School football jersey. For those who don’t know, I went to Flintridge Prep in La Cañada, just outside Altadena and Pasadena. Played 4 different sports and achieved ALL-CIF in all of them, and earned ALL-State honors in basketball.I also made honor roll few times which was hardly easy at that school. Flintridge is ranked a Top 10 private school in America by The Washington Post. I would only don #11 during my tenure at Prep because my lifelong attachment to prime digit. I am unworthy yet grateful and honored to be recognized as a man acknowledged for commitment to a foggy dream.
The ceremony was particularly special for me because we spent a substantial deal of time honoring the late Tom Fry, one of my football coaches and teachers, and more importantly an impactful mentor for my growth as a man. It took Fry’s laid back, but sarcastic demeanor to transform obscure ideas into common sense concepts that broadened and sharpened my view of the world and its relation to me.
It was humbling to see the level of appreciation Prep has for its students and its desire to remain a supporting figure in our lives. My allegiance to the Flintrigde Prep Rebels is strong and I am grateful for the massive growth experienced onto the grounds of such an open-minded campus. Special thanks to Alex Rivera, Doña Kim, Tony Harrison, Coach O’hara, Coach Beattie, Coach Moran, Mr. Higopian, Peter Bachman, Mr. Russo, and a host of great teachers and, friends, and leaders in the world community.