His speech is limited, but his smile is worth a thousand words. Brandon Napiwocki, a special education student at Valparaiso High School, had one of his dreams fulfilled Friday night when, wearing his own Valpo football jersey, he led the team onto the field to the cheers of everyone in the stands.
As they ran onto the field, 50 American flags were waving from the hands of Vikings players, and as fireworks lit up the sky, the student body, dressed in red, white and blue, sent balloons soaring to the sky to honor all those who suffered at the hands of terrorists 14 years ago. What better night to have a very special young man give us all a very special meaning to the day.
This handsome young guy was a foot shorter than most of the players, but he was the tallest one there. It’s all because the Valparaiso kicker, Jared Smollar, knew that leading the team onto the field was on Brandon’s bucket list. Jared is one of Brandon’s neighbors and is aware of his medical issues, and his heart led him to make something awesome happen for his friend.
Brandon was No. 1 to every spectator there from both schools, and his joy lit up the field. No parents could have been prouder than mom Lisa and dad Tony. Brandon even got to toss the coin to start the game, and as the Valpo captains gave him high fives, the Michigan City captains gave him hugs, high fives and pats on the back, and they all stood as one while the cheers grew louder. Many of us needed a tissue.
The occasion so impressed referee Andy Simpson, he wrote a note to Robert Faulkins, vice president of the Indiana High School Athletic Association, and the person in charge of football throughout the state.
“Both teams coming together to make Brandon’s night special made me feel especially proud to be part of something so meaningful,” Simpson wrote. “As small an act as this may seem to some, this act of kindness from the Valparaiso and Michigan City players to “Make a Wish” come true for one terminally ill young man brought tears to my eyes.
“I was both honored and humbled by the opportunity to be a part of something so special. It does my heart good to know these young men understand there’s something more important in life than football. The hero last night was Brandon who has more courage and life in him than I. I consider this one of the most important and special nights of my 25-year officiating career. I want to thank Brandon and his family for allowing our crew to be a part of his special night.”
Please remember that, when you read about teens breaking the law, there are far more of the kind like all of these young men who care about others — and show it. Thank you so much, Jared, for being so special to a very special kid. You (and all the players from both schools) are my pet person of the week. Just another reason why I love kids.
This Saturday, at the Central Park Plaza in downtown Valparaiso, you and your children can learn about other countries without having to travel far. The Valparaiso International Center is hosting the World Cultural Festival from noon to 5 p.m. — and it’s free.
There will be food, crafts, and activities pertaining to far away places, as well as music and dancing. The Nordikids are new this year, and will perform traditional dances from Scandinavia. Whether you spend an hour or five hours there, you’ll be a little more knowledgeable about the big world we live in while having fun.
Hope to see you there, and I hope you have a great day because you deserve it. Thanks for reading. Fly your flag.
Lorrie Woycik is a freelance columnist for the Post-Tribune.
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