-
Alt Text for Image
The Murray County Central School District kicked off the school year with a powerful new program called Pass the Spirit, part of the newly created Rebel Sidekick program.
On Wednesday, September 24, MCC seniors and kindergarteners gathered on the football field for the first-ever ceremony. Each kindergartner began at the endzone and walked to midfield, where their senior sidekick was waiting. At the 50-yard line, seniors presented their kindergarten partner with a Rebel Sidekick T-shirt, a keepsake card, and shared a few words of wisdom before taking a photo together.
Elementary Principal Patrick Freeman explained the purpose behind the event: “This program is about more than shirts or cards—it’s about building connections. Our seniors are role models, and this is their chance to pass on what it means to be a Rebel—being respectful, being responsible, and being ready to learn. This tradition shows that at MCC, we’re one family, from kindergarten through graduation.”
High School Principal Mr. Jake Scandrett also shared the impact on the senior class: “I would like to say a special thank you to our seniors for their leadership over the years. They are a special group of students who have demonstrated true Rebel Pride, and it is a privilege to see them pass this same spirit of Rebel Pride on to their young kindergarten sidekick. We look forward to the positive connection they will make through this program and the bright future that lies ahead for these students.”
The Rebel Sidekick program will continue throughout the school year, with seniors and kindergarteners meeting monthly to take part in activities together. The goal is to create mentorship bonds, build community pride, and highlight MCC’s focus on character and values.
Parents and community members watched from the bleachers as the seniors welcomed the kindergarten class of 2038 into the Rebel family. The event ended with a group photo at midfield, capturing the first chapter of what is planned to become a long-standing MCC tradition.
“It was really special to see the smiles on both the seniors’ and the kindergarteners’ faces,” Freeman said. “This is something they’ll all remember for a long time.”
