• As many of you know, the Pelican Rapids community lost a teacher, coach and friend this past August to brain cancer. On September 15, the football game began with a moment of silence in memory of Ryan Syverson, long-time Pelican Rapids Elementary Teacher and football coach.

    At half-time, his wife Dana, daughter Abby, and son Brody, were presented with a plaque that read: "A coach's worth isn't found in their win-loss record or their resume. But on the impact made in the lives of their athletes."

    Long time Head Football Coach Dave Haugen was unable to be there but he sent the following message: "Ryan loved Pelican Rapids: the community, the schols and its sports teams. He had great pride in living here and never missed an opportunity to tell others that they too should live here and send their children to Pelican Rapids Schools. Ryan also loved to compete and he loved to win, but he didn't need to win in order to enjoy what he was doing. As we move forward and look to honor the memory of Ryan Syverson it doesn't require our team to win, but it does require us to prepare well, play by the rules, take ownership of our mistakes, compete as hard as possible and to the fullest extent of your ability...and then accept the results whatever they may be. Be humble in victory and gracious in defeat, and wear your orange and black with pride."

    As balloons were released in Ryan's honor, his vision of being the light, seeing the good, making a difference and working for amazing still shines. As a community and as a school, we will continue to share his valuable legacy with others.