Coyote Senior Night "ORANGE OUT" Class of 2025

Written By Ellen Marrs

I was deeply overwhelmed with emotion and gratitude at last Tuesday’s game against Poston for Senior Night. Coach Graham, the basketball team, and Student Council went above and beyond, your kindness and sincerity were truly unexpected. Seeing so much orange in the crowd, worn by people of all ages, was a powerful reminder of hope for our family. Each person wearing orange represented a belief in goodness and a shared hope for future justice.

It was truly incredible to see so many people with whom I’ve shared memories and built relationships throughout Preston’s schooling and basketball journey. I treasure each of you and hold you close to my heart. His friends were his brothers and that bond is unbreakable, nothing can change that. 

We continue to push forward, fighting for what’s right while striving to embody the qualities that made Preston so special. That gym holds countless memories for us, making this tribute even more meaningful. It meant so much to me, Tatum, Preston’s dad Nick, his stepmom Melissa, his grandparents and family friends. Personally, I had waited a long time to hear Preston’s name announced as a Varsity basketball starter. That moment is something I will cherish forever. I’ll never forget when he first started basketball camp in fourth grade, we often laughed about that memory together.

For the first time in a long time, I went to work the next day with renewed strength and motivation. Knowing that so many of you stand with us, keeping Preston’s memory alive, gave me a sense of support I can’t put into words. My biggest fear now has been replaced that people will forget him, but this night reassured me that you haven’t—you are still fighting, still remembering, and still loving with us.

Senior Night Class of 2025

Combs Coyotes

PL5 Forever

Live like Preston

Be an Upstander

—Written and shared by Autumn Renee Curiel, Preston’s Mom

Ellen Marrs

Ellen is a successful entrepreneur, author, homeschooling mom of seven, and three-time Boston Marathon finisher. She is the author of “Lessons from the Finish Line”, her personal story of faith, passion, and perseverance in the pursuit to run 12 races in 12 consecutive months. She is also a compilation author in "Women Who Rock", a book highlighting the stories and successes of women from various backgrounds and stages of life.

The focus of Ellen's business and her personal goal in life is to make a positive impact on the world with those who choose to join her in “The Kindness Revolution”. She teaches individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations the importance of expressing gratitude through relationship marketing, as well as her signature class, “Gratitude: The Missing Link”. In a span of just three years, the students in her classes impacted over 10,000 people with compassion, gratitude, and kindness.

Ellen was most recently featured by FOX 10 TV, the Boston Athletic Association, Boston University News Service, Voyage Phoenix, and Networking Times magazine, a global publication for the network marketing profession.

Ellen fuels her passion to help others and make a difference in the world by sharing her story with abuse victims, foster children, and potential foster parents. As a motivational speaker, trainer, and mentor, she inspires others to overcome difficult circumstances, pursue their dreams and achieve their goals with unbridled passion. She has mentored countless individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations in relationship marketing and "acceleration through appreciation".

To relax, Ellen enjoys running, riding motorcycles, and spending as much time as possible outdoors with her family. She currently travels the United States with her husband, Rick, and their seven children.

To connect with Ellen, reach out via social media or the Life on Planet Marrs website.

https://lifeonplanetmarrs.com
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