As my wife and I sat in the Powell High School Auditorium waiting for our son’s elementary school Christmas concert to begin, we both remarked on the packed house of family and community members in attendance — and this for the smallest of the three elementary schools in town. 

We were not, however, surprised at the support — this community does a great job supporting our youth. So, if you haven’t yet gone to a school sporting event, Christmas concert or other such event, here’s a gentle nudge to go check it out. 

Now I’ll be honest, my job and children have led me to most of the school events I have attended, but my wife and I have both discovered how enjoyable it is to watch and cheer on (in the appropriate settings) as well. I dare you to watch kindergartners sing Christmas songs and not smile, perhaps remembering your own children doing the same. 

And winter offers some great opportunities to watch high school and middle school sports while staying out of the cold. 

We should know, as we recently learned firsthand, the incredible commitment many wrestling parents make as we followed our son and his Powell Cubs teammates through a thrilling first wrestling season for our middle schooler. (We also learned the importance of back support after sitting on bleachers for hours on end!) 

We stopped by the big high school wrestling tournament at home last weekend and witnessed that incredible support amongst locals and out of towners. 

It’s just fun to be in that environment, whether you have a kid involved or not. These big events ooze that sense of community and display just how much community and school spirit we have here in Powell. 

Have you ever been to a Powell vs. Cody basketball game? If not, attend and enjoy the energy off the court as much as the action on it. 

The girls play at 5:30 p.m. and the boys at 7 on Friday at the Powell High School Gym. To make the night even more special, the high school will be unveiling its boys’ and girls’ track state championship banners between the games and inducting one new PHS Hall of Fame honoree during halftime of the girls game. 

So, find some black and orange clothing and cheer on the Panthers, and soak up that community spirit.