Students at four elementary schools received a surprise start to their day when members of the Alexander High School football team and cheerleading squad showed up to welcome them into school.

The high schoolers lined the car rider lanes, opened doors, and greeted students with high-fives and smiles as they arrived for the day at Bill Arp, Mason Creek, South Douglas, and Winston elementary schools. For many of the younger students, Alexander High School is the school they will one day attend, and the football players and cheerleaders are the students they look up to.

"Our students lit up when the Alexander football players and cheerleaders lined the car rider lane to cheer them into school," said Bill Arp Elementary Principal Christy Shackelford. "Being greeted by them made our students feel special and excited to start the day. They get a glimpse of where they're headed and what it looks like to give back. We are so thankful to Alexander High School for loving on our kids, and our students are already asking when they can come back!"

Their visits are part of a larger, ongoing partnership between Alexander High School and its feeder elementary schools. Just this week, Bill Arp Elementary welcomed 45 high school students who will serve as "Patriot Pals," mentoring students weekly throughout the school year.

At Mason Creek Elementary, the excitement was just as strong.

"Watching our car riders pull up to Mason Creek and see Alexander football players and cheerleaders ready to greet them is pure joy!" said Mason Creek Elementary Principal Kristin Martin. "I love that this is more than a welcome. It's a chance for us to brag about our former students to our current ones, and show our littles that big dreams start right here! Once you're a Wolfcub, you're always part of the pack, and we're always happy to welcome our now-Cougars back to the Creek!"

Mason Creek Media Specialist Katie Henry echoed that sentiment, observing that many of the high schoolers greeting students that morning were familiar faces from the school community.

"It's always a wonderful day when our Alexander High School 'heroes' join us to help start the morning off right!" Henry said. "We are so grateful for the energy, enthusiasm, and school spirit these students bring each time they visit."

For the Alexander High School cheerleaders and football players, the morning was a chance to be positive role models for elementary students.

"Alexander Cheerleading loves any opportunity to interact with our future Cougars and serve as positive role models for some of the youngest students in our school system," said Alexander High School Cheerleading Coach Brooke Morris. "We love showing up with smiles and school spirit to help start their day on a positive note while also being involved in our community alongside our football team."

Morris added that the experience is just as meaningful for the high schoolers.

"What our teens really love is seeing the happiness they can bring to someone else," she said. "When they share kindness and school spirit, their own cups are filled too. It is a great way for everyone to spread a little Cougar sunshine throughout our community."