Last Sunday, I had the pleasure of stepping onto the tennis court with Kai, a spirited 5th-grade student from our Oakwood Schools community. What started as a simple gesture—a lunch date won through the Smith School Fundraiser Auction—turned into an exhilarating game of tennis, one that left me with a renewed sense of joy and connection to our students.

As the Superintendent of Oakwood Schools, I'm constantly reminded of the importance of fostering meaningful relationships with our students and their families. So when Kai and his family won the auction item to have lunch with me, I was already looking forward to the opportunity to connect with one of our bright young minds outside the confines of the school environment.

However, Kai had a surprise in store for me. Knowing my background in playing and coaching tennis, he reached out with a request to modify our interaction into a friendly match on the court. Naturally, I was thrilled by the prospect of combining my love for tennis with the chance to spend time with a student in a unique setting.

Last Sunday arrived, and with it came a cold but beautiful day for tennis. Kai, having just finished a game of football and with plans to hit the basketball court afterward, arrived with his parents and a small crowd of supporters from the neighborhood.  The youngest daughter of the neighbors came in a cheerleading outfit with all smiles ready to root for Kai.  Their presence only added to the sense of camaraderie and excitement surrounding the match.

From the moment we started rallying, it was evident that Kai was not only in excellent shape but also possessed smooth strokes and a natural talent for the game. I had hoped he was a little tired from his football game earlier, but he was ready for the match!  Despite his amazing skills, he approached our match with humility and kindness, ensuring that I never felt overwhelmed or out of my depth. In other words, he was kind to me.  His thoughtful approach to the game spoke volumes about his character and sportsmanship.

As the match progressed, Kai's prowess on the court became increasingly apparent, and before I knew it, he had secured a decisive victory with a close score of 6-0. Yet, despite the one-sided outcome, I couldn't help but feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude and joy. Watching Kai play with such enthusiasm and skill was a reminder of the incredible talent and potential that exists within our student body.

After the match, as we exchanged pleasantries and shared a few laughs, I made a promise to Kai—to treat him to a smoothie as a lunchtime reward for his impressive performance. Though our interaction on the court had come to an end, the memories of our game would linger as a testament to the power of community, connection, and the joy that comes from engaging with our students in meaningful ways.

In closing, I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to Kai and his family, as well as to all the families who support our Oakwood community. I also want to thank our Smith staff members who also auctioned their time to connect with their students and raise funds for future programs.  Your enthusiasm, kindness, and unwavering support are what make our schools truly special. Here's to many more moments of fun, interaction, and shared experiences with our students, like Kai, who remind us of the boundless potential that lies within each and every one of them.