By Mike Hutchens, UC Schools Communications Director
Union City, Tenn.–‘Friday Night Lights’ shined brightly on one deserving Union City football fan last week.
Fifth-grader Aaron Nipp – son of UC Schools teachers Andrew and Laura Nipp – recently enjoyed the role of ‘honorary captain’ for the Golden Tornado football team as a reward for piling up the most points in the Accelerated Reader program last year at Union City Elementary School.
Aaron accumulated 552.5 AR points on tests to earn the honor and joined UCHS captains Kelan Roberson, Kenny Moss, and Gavin Morgan for the ceremonial coin toss prior to the Tornadoes’ 49-0 win over Gleason.
The recognition was made possible by the UC Elementary School PTO, which has taken over the reward system that recognizes different point achievements with various prizes and experiences.
The 400-Point Club is the highest level recognized in the AR program. While other specific rewards for exceptional efforts have included cupcakes, pizza parties, and trips to the SkyZone for the honoree, the UCES AR Committee decided the “surprise” reward would be a one-of-a-kind experience tailored to the achieving child’s interest and hobbies.
With a passion for all things involving Tornado football made known to the committee by his ELA teacher, Mallory Powers, the ‘honorary captain’ role was suggested as a prize for Aaron, who donned his purple and gold jersey and took the field last Friday.
Nipp, who has played in the Jr. Tornado Football League the past few seasons, is serving as a manager for the undefeated UC Middle School team this year while waiting his turn to join the program as a sixth grader.