Pioneer Pride Keeps Rolling - a letter from Supt. George Weber

Many of you have talked to fans from other schools and communities who ask how Pierz can keep putting out high level teams year after year. Good Question! There really is no secret trick, but instead a combination of factors that have to be repeated over and over again:

• We really have to thank and support and trust our coaches. There is a wave of challenges and increased pressure and stress that is causing coaches across our country to quit. In Pierz, we are very lucky to have a combination of very proven and veteran coaches who know how to build a winning program as well as some very high quality young men and women who are passionate about helping players improve and eventually build the same powerhouse traditions​ that we all aspire to. It takes years for anyone to become very good at their craft and we need to support all of those on that journey. They put in many, many extra hours outside of practice and games evaluating film, players and opponents in an effort to give our children the best chance possible for success.
• We have to thank our parents. Teenagers need support. Teenagers need direction. We can all think of things we would not have tried or times we would have quit something as teenagers, but some adult or mentor wouldn’t let us. We always need parents and community members constantly encouraging children to try; to not give up; to keep working hard and you will experience rewards. That is the life lesson. Perseverance is the greatest quality any of us can instill in youth to guarantee them success in life. The most demanding moments are also the ones that teach the best lessons.
• We need students who participate in many activities and support and encourage all their peers to join in. Their journey together and the fun they have on rides,​ in practices and the jokes and laughter they share, turn out to be more memorable and more important than all the trophies. It is about being teammates, not about being stars. The better you become and the more you know about your sport, the more you understand that the “team” is the most fun part of any activity. This is true for Band, Musicals, FFA, Robotics, Spanish Club, BPA, Speech Team and all Sports. They love their group !

It takes all of us to make all of these things happen year after year after year. We start teaching and coaching at young ages and try to involve as many students as possible. If we could get every child into something, we are doing them a great service to make their school years feel good and to keep children committed to school and getting the most out of their education. I thank all of you for your contribution to this cause. Getting all children involved early and helping coach or support youth sports and constantly encouraging your friends and neighbors to join in is what builds the Fun! It just happens to also be what builds Winners!

​George Weber
District 484 Superintendent of Schools
GO PIONEERS!