Bearden softball team helps Wreaths Across America

By Steve Williams

Bearden High’s girls softball team lent a big hand to the Wreaths Across America event Saturday, Dec. 16, at the Knoxville National Cemetery.

For three hours, from 11 in the morning to 2 in the afternoon, they were remembering and honoring the past by placing wreaths on grave sites.

Feelings for the fallen didn’t end when they left.

“A tag was placed on the backside of each wreath for anyone to keep as a reminder of the fallen soldier and their families,” said Bearden Coach Kenneth Boles. “All of our ladies took one of the tags as a reminder of the fallen.”

Boles noticed too that “the girls were very humble after the event,” he said. “The ladies were blown away by the turnout and the show of support from the community.”

The Saturday also was a day of building team unity.

“We use any chance we get to be together,” said Boles. “We do team building activities.

“We will be helping on the Wreaths Across America’s pick-up day. I believe that will be on Jan. 20.”

A-E football players help in two ways

Quinton Calhoun, a junior lineman and team captain on Austin-East High School’s football team, and freshman lineman Keaton Mear have been recognized for their community service during the holidays.

Both were school ambassadors said Coach Antonio Mays, serving to renovate bathrooms at A-E and in food distribution to families in need.