By: Kyle Eversgerd
Special to Stlouisrams.com

In the words of former St. Louis Ram Grant Williams, the first day of school can result in “nightmares” for some students.  But students at four St. Louis Public Schools (SLPS) were greeted with smiling faces and an abundance of supplies as they entered their respective buildings on August 20th, the first full day of classes.

Rams staff, alumni and cheerleaders welcomed students at Beaumont High School, Vashon High School, Sumner High School, and Roosevelt High School helping kick off another exciting year in the lives of St. Louis students.  As part of the organization’s “Days of Service” initiative, the Rams, partnering with Office Essentials Inc., donated over $25,000 worth of supplies to the four high schools.  As an incentive for student attendance, the Rams also donated 1,000 tickets to SLPS for the first home pre-season game against the Atlanta Falcons.

While the supplies and tickets were a great incentive for students walking into school, the presence of such a large group at the front door passing out notebooks, pens, pencils, and rulers shocked a few students.

Dontrel Moore, a first-year student at Roosevelt High School, couldn’t believe his eyes when he turned the corner.  “It surprised me.  I wasn’t expecting the Rams staff to be out here,” he said.  “It’s really cool.”

Roosevelt senior Katuraa Williams was one of many students who benefited from the supplies as she entered the first day of her final year of high school.

“At first I wasn’t excited about the first day of school but then when I saw everybody handing out supplies it made me happy to be back again,” said Williams who is planning on studying to be a veterinarian in college.  “I was happy to get some extra stuff because I flat out forgot to bring any paper.”

Rams Chief Operating Officer, Kevin Demoff, joined his colleagues at Vashon and said he hoped the morning activities would not only excite the students but would also continue the powerful relationship between the Rams and SLPS.

“With this day of service, we hope, through our partnership with Office Essentials, that we not only provided the kids with needed supplies, but also encouraged them as they begin their new school year,” Demoff said.  “While today is a one-day initiative, our organizational commitment to SLPS will continue throughout the year as we build on an already strong relationship.”

Several Rams alumni were also in attendance and highlighted the first day of school for students.  Aeneas Williams welcomed students at Vashon; Roland Williams was at Sumner, while Andy McCollum and Arlen Harris got acquainted with students at Beaumont.  Grant Williams joined staff at Roosevelt High School where he is a regular throughout the year for school activities.

Williams, who was planning to speak at a morning assembly at Roosevelt, said Principal Terry Houston would do a great job of relating the message of the Rams service to the hard work it takes to succeed in school.

“It’s that time of year where opportunity is knocking and you can make whatever you want out of it,” Williams said of the first day of school.

“Knowing Mr. Houston, he’ll do a great job relaying to students this is what the Rams do.  It’s work ethic, it’s character – it’s the same things that will make your school year successful.”