We were honored to have former NFL player, Derrick Docerky as our featured speaker. Mr. Dockery has devoted his post-NFL life to supporting his community as he has worked for several members of Congress.  Mr. Dockery shared some powerful words on kindness and respect; here are some highlights to his message. We thank our leadership and Panther News students for capturing his message with posters around the building. 

• Respect and kindness are critical to being a human being. It is a favor you give to someone.

• Respect is earned not given. In certain contexts that is true. As an athlete, I had to earn the respect of my teammates and opponents by my performance on the field but each and everyday we have to make the decision to respect one another.
• If humankind had respected one another, mistakes in history could have been averted.
• I want to challenge everyone to respect one another and to be kind because we do not know what others are going through.
• You don’t know what an act of kindness can do for someone. It can change how someone feels that day or help someone from doing something they might regret in the future. We each have the responsibility to be respectful and kind.
• Treat others how they want to be treated goes a long way. Ask yourself: What are you going to be remembered for? What legacy do you want to leave for yourself, friends, family? How do you want them to remember you? Respect and kindness begets respect and kindness. If you are kind to someone, eventually that kindness will come back to you. Ask yourself: Do I want to be better today than I was yesterday?
• Respect what you do. Have a love for what you do and treat it with the utmost respect. Cherish it, nourish it, take care of it.
• You never know the impact you will make when you meet someone. Smile, look them in the eye. Shake their hand and act kindly.