Orangefield ISD accepts 'Be the Light' challenge
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F.L. McClain Stadium
By Chad Cooper
It’s a symbolic gesture of hope. Residents of Orangefield, or anyone for that matter, will notice the lights at F.L. McClain Football Stadium at Orangefield High School are brightly shining on an empty stadium, weekdays from 8-9 p.m.
Orangefield ISD, along with many other schools across the state, have taken part in the “Be the Light” challenge started by Dumas ISD, which is a school district north of Amarillo.
Orangefield athletic director and head football coach Josh Smalley said the lights are “a symbol of hope and assurance that our great community and wonderful students are in our hearts, thoughts and prayers.”
The University of Interscholastic League suspended all athletic contests and activities March 13. Texas Governor Greg Abbott has since closed schools through May 4.
“It’s really a tough situation,” said Smalley. “For senior students, it’s their last year. Games, practices and life have been put on hold. Proms and even graduations could be cancelled. It’s the first time ever I’ve heard kids say, ‘I wish we could go back to school.’”
Schools from West Texas to the Rio Grande Valley and now the first in Southeast Texas have followed suit posting photos of their stadium lights on Twitter using the hashtag #bethelight.
-Chad Cooper is the Entertainment/Sports Editor; contact cooper@theexaminer.com