Cam Newton visits Wright’s Mill Elementary School
Cam Newton with Zack and Conner Gilliland
The scene looks like this. It’s a drizzly, gray, late-winter Friday at Wright’s Mill Elementary School and the fourth-graders are barely able to contain their excitement in anticipation of a sunny weekend. Add to that: it is also Poetry and Pizza Day. This means not only will the children have a break in their usual routine, but parents and other loved ones will be joining them in class for a special treat, actual take-out pizza and real cola. The kids are positively bursting at the seams and it’s all the teachers can do to quiet the jittery chatter and rustling long enough for poetry to be read for the visitors.
Several of the fourth-graders chose to recite poems they wrote about grandparents or school. A handful of kids wrote about pets. And several of the kids on the right side of the room chose to write about penguins. The last of the penguin poem readers is brave enough to work the word “mating” into his rhyme scheme, which produces giggles and high-fives from several classmates and nervous laughter from a few of the parents.
But as the last student finishes her poem–an acrostic about her pet dog–and parents begin to put away their smart-phone video recorders, the door to the classroom cracks open slightly. Heads turn toward the noise just as a large, lean-fingered hand appears and the door swings wide open to reveal an unexpected visitor. It’s Cam Newton.
Like the first ray of sun breaking through a storm cloud, Newton needs no introduction. He simply smiles wide and asks, “Is everyone in here doing the ‘Wright’ thing?” (a play on the school’s name and their motto) and the class goes berserk. For several minutes, Newton calmly and warmly receives the rushing sea of waist-high tackles, squealing hugs, and excited handshakes. Newton may indeed be a celebrity but he takes all of this in with the easy gracefulness people have come to expect from the former Auburn quarterback.
The fourth-graders at Wright’s Mill Road Elementary did not suspect that Cam Newton would be paying them a visit today. Why would they? After a successful season culminating in a National Championship win and the Heisman Trophy, Newton’s path led him away from Auburn and into a pro football career with the Carolina Panthers. Nevertheless, Newton remains a part of the Auburn family. And at Wright’s Mill Road Elementary, he remains a role model and a mentor. Newton’s dedication and perseverance surely contribute to his success on the field but they are just as evident off the field. Just ask the Wright’s Mill Road Elementary fourth-graders who woke up this morning thinking today was just Poetry and Pizza Day.
Newton’s relationship with Wright’s Mill Road Elementary School began in the fall of 2010 when he began participating in the school’s mentor program on a regular basis. While Newton’s focus was specifically on providing academic and behavioral encouragement for four fifth-grade boys, his presence and time at Wright’s Mill affected many more children.
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Cam Newton is indeed a Real Deal, Authentic All In Auburn Family Member!!! God Bless him for returning to visit the children. I’m sure they will never forget Feb. 23, 2012 at Wright Elementary!! War Eagle!!!
Sorry, date correction to Friday 2/24/2012!! I’m sure Cam put a lot of sunshine in the children’s day!
That is so awesome! I know the kids were excited to see Cam. He is truly an exceptional person in every way!
So glad to see that Cam has not forgotten his Auburn family!!! This speaks volumes about him!
This makes my heart sing!!!! Cam IS in EVERY sense of the word a TRUE Auburn man!!!! War Eagle!!!!
Wow…Only five comments. I’m surprised.
Well done Cam. Actions speak much louder than words.
I am thrilled to hear this great news! I’m so happy that Cam is a true Auburn man. There were plenty of doubters out there but I was not one of them!
War Eagle! Way to go, Cam and Wright’s Mill Rd. School!
Awesome story about an awesome guy who is part of the AUsome Auburn family! Now, why doesn’t the media jump on this story?
Cam truly is an awesome Auburn Man! The kids will never forget him, no matter where he lives.
Auburn is so fortunate to have had Cam, even if just for a year, and these young students at Wright are blessed to have had such a wonderful mentor. I just cannot say enough about him as a person. I am so proud of all of his accomplishments; they could not happen to a more deserving young man!
No Kryptonite can hurt this Superman. I’m PROUD to be an Auburn Tiger! WDE!
Grew up in Auburn and in all those years never have witnessed such a great football player/mentor/just all around good person! Cam you have touched the hearts of many and as everyone has already expressed you are the epitome of what Auburn is all about!! You make all of us proud!!! WDE!!!
I’m visiting in North Carolina and read where Cam is visiting in the schools in Charlotte where he now plays football. He is a. A good role model for the children.
Cam is one of those gifted persons who understands that those who reach the top have a responsibility to go back down and help other to the top. Sweet article. Love it!
I’m sure he was paid to go to that school too.
It is so refreshing to see a NFL star visit a bunch of kids he worked with while at Auburn. He is the real deal and he will play in a super bowl someday. There was a great story in the Auburn Magazine about one of the kids he gave a football to after a Panther touchdown. Need more people of his caliber in Pro Sport. War Cam Eagle!!!
@Blake Colon…don’t take this away from these kids. Most likely these children could teach you some very basic manners: If you don’t have anything nice to say, please don’t say anything at all. This story is about the goodness in people. My suggestion is that you re-read it. Might just do your heart some good. Well done, Wrights Mill Road…and well done, Cam.
As a former teacher, now retired, I applaude Cam Newton! He is doing what all of us need to do – encourage the
future of our communities, state, and nation. He is effecting change in the lives of young people and pointing their
eyes above to look to the stars for their future. He is a star athlete, star football player, and star human being who gives back to everyone. God bless him, and may he continue to be a great role model is my prayer.
Once Auburn gets in your heart it stays there forever and Cam is a testiment to that! He is proving what a good and caring person he is…I am so proud to have him as part of my Auburn family! WAR EAGLE!!!!
Cam is a true testament.