He is being modest

Joe down played the celebration at Rogers for Erik Kynard Jr. He wrote about three sentences for what was a life time moment.

When we got to RHS I expected we would be late enough for the ceremony to be over and Joe to go into the school for the press conference part to see Erik. Large public events being as they are, the parade was just coming into the football stadium so we had not missed anything.
As we walked (slowly) to the stadium, Joe was stopped by staff and students surprised to see him and happy he could make it. We joined my parents and our kids in the bleachers to watch the ceremony. Many politicians and dignitaries spoke- board members, the superintendent, the principal, Congresswoman Kaptur, Mayor and on. After August 18 was declared as "Erik Kynard Jr. Day" and the Key to the City was given, the Emceee went to to recognize others in attendance. He asked if 2010 Teacher of the Year Joe Boyle was in there. Joe was sitting a few rows up with our boys in his lap and raised his hand. As people clapped, Erik left the stage, crossed what is typically the team side lines, then the track then jumped the fence to greet Joe with a hug. (If you got chills reading that you are not alone as nearly everyone I tell the story to gets chills or tears up.)

 

If ever there was a moment when Joe wondered why he was teaching where he is, this is the answer. To be recognized by a former students, all around good kid and student, a NCAA Champion, and now an Olympian just after being released from the hospital for cancer treatment-there are no words.













Another speaker, school counselor Ward, was an organizer of the event. He is one of the leaders at the school in supporting the students and continues his counselor role well after they graduated. His spirit for the students one can't help but catch making RHS the great place it is. He had a great Top 10 list in recognition of Erik's appearance on David Letterman. Ward showed off the Crazy Socks he wore in honor of Erik.

In talking with Erik and his Mom after the ceremony we find that Erik had been wanting to connect with Joe the last few days.  Erik had been in contact with Ward trying to work out how to see Joe. At one time he was trying to get to the hospital to see him but time did not allow. Friday evening I was texting with Ward because Erik was going to FaceTime with Joe. Limited time and wireless for Erik and Joe's low blood pressure and vomiting would not let it happen.

 

After the ceremony Joe was stopped by students and parents happy to see him. We did get a chance to go back to the school to see Erik one more time.
We look forward to following his NCAA and World events before Rio in 2016.