On September 11, 2017, two schools in opposition on the field and courts came together for a greater cause, in honor of first responders and military service men and women.  Presbyterian Christian School of Hattiesburg, MS and Jackson Academy of Jackson, MS not only competed Monday evening in volley ball, soccer and softball, but they brought the competition to a higher level.

Playing sports is wonderful for many reasons such as team building, health, mental training, and competition, but in addition to these, the best reason to play sports is for the life lessons that are taught.  Playing or working for something bigger than yourself, like many of our first responders and military do everyday.

Coaches Jacob Morgan and Christina Lawrence, along with PCS Athletic Director, Josh Dorman, led the charge to pull together a fundraising operation where both schools sold over 275 shirts and all proceeds went to the Warrior Bonfire Program.  As part of Patriot Day at Presbyterian Christian School, shirts designed with a 9 on the front and an 11 on the back displayed with “Never Forget”, were sold to students and parents, raising $2,000 in support of our Purple Hearts. Local vendor American Graphics partnered with the operation to offer high quality shirts at an extremely low cost allowing the schools to donate all proceeds.
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Patriot Day consisted of a morning Pep Rally,  where education of the events of 9/11 was presented, a moment of silence, and local firefighters, policemen, and military were honored.  Also, at all events on campus, volleyball, soccer and softball, again recognition was given to local first responders and military.In attendance on the behalf of Warrior Bonfire Program was Lloyd Munn.  Not only is Munn a popular local musician in Hattiesburg and father of a PCS alum, but he serves on our Board of Directors and organized our ever growing and energetic, Jammin at the Bonfire, program.  Munn had just returned that day from assisting on the Warrior Bonfires’ 43rd signature Bonfire event held in Grand Rivers, Kentucky.  Munn shared his experience and witness of his time with six Purple Heart veterans over the weekend.  Munn summed it up with, “it’s the real deal!”

The Warrior Bonfire Program is extremely honored to have been chosen to benefit from this awesome display of support.  We thank all those that organized and participated!  Being that we serve Post 9/11 Purple Hearts, those that truly stepped up to battle the evil that changed American lives forever, this gesture touched our hearts.

​If we do not show our young Americans that we support those that keep us safe in return for their service, why would they ever consider stepping up to serve and protect.?  They are our future!