By Melanie Patterson

The North Jefferson News



A group of Snow Rogers students received a few words of wisdom on Monday from the same man who instructs the Gardendale High School football team.

Coach Chris Fancher was the guest speaker at the weekly meeting of the Winners Circle, an elite members-only group at Snow Rogers.

Snow Rogers administration created the Winners Circle this year solely for the school’s fifth-graders.

The purpose of the group is to motivate and encourage the students, according to Snow Rogers principal Karen White.

School officials are also hoping the motivational club will show results in areas besides self-esteem.

Counselor Sue Ann West said that she will compare the students’ grades throughout the year to see if Winners Circle fifth-graders show improvements in grades, attendance and amount of homework turned in.

West said the goal is to see a 50-percent increase in those three areas.

There are about 50 fifth-graders at Snow Rogers, all of whom are members of the Winners Circle.

They meet every Monday for about 15 minutes.

West has been scheduling speakers from the area to speak to the students.

Fancher was a big hit. During his short but powerful talk, he taught the Winners Circle the importance of doing their best at all times and of never giving up.

His visit went along with the Winners Circle theme for September, “Facing your giants.”

Earlier this month, the group watched portions of the movie “Facing the Giants,” which shows how a high-school football team improved its attitude and its results on the football field.

West said that she wants the students to learn that “your attitude is everything.”

Another speaker lined up to address the students is West’s husband Scott West, who lost both of his legs due to complications from diabetes.

Sue Ann West said that her husband never gave up hope and will offer motivation and inspiration to the Winners Circle kids.

She has also scheduled Jennifer Graham to speak. West said that Graham, who is from Morris, “came from nothing” and is now the chief financial officer for a giant publishing company.

Besides speakers, West is also using books and DVDs to help inspire the students.

West has written a grant that she hopes will help fund the Winners Circle.

However, White said that the school will continue to support the group no matter what.