It Began as a Passion
Connor Sherman (2020)
SUNSHINE'S SKILLS AND DRILLS FOOTBALL CLINIC is a passion project created by football fanatic Connor Sherman. He loves playing football and believes every kid should have the opportunity to play the sport.
When Connor was in 4th grade, Melanie Gray, his teacher at Workman Elementary School in Canton, MI, set aside time to allow her studies to partake in Genius Hour. During Genius Hour, each student made a choice in what they learned and had the opportunity to explore their own passion. After researching a topic of interest, each student created a Passion Project to be shared with the class/school/world.
Loving sports, Connor immediately knew his passion project had to somehow involve football or baseball. After brainstorming a few different project ideas, he came up with the idea of holding a football clinic for kids with special needs. Both Mrs. Gray and Connor's parents agreed this was an ambitious project, but they were determined to assist him in making it a reality.
Through the help of Brian Rochon, a Pioneer middle school social studies teacher and high school football coach, Connor's Passion Project quickly came to fruition in the summer of 2014. Coaches from Plymouth High School's football program guided participants through non-contact football drills. Additionally, each participant had a high school football player by their side offering assistance and encouragement.
The 2014-2019 football clinics were just as rewarding for the volunteers as they were for the participants. Regrettably, the 2020 football clinic was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, however we look forward to holding it in again on July 30, 2021.
When Connor was in 4th grade, Melanie Gray, his teacher at Workman Elementary School in Canton, MI, set aside time to allow her studies to partake in Genius Hour. During Genius Hour, each student made a choice in what they learned and had the opportunity to explore their own passion. After researching a topic of interest, each student created a Passion Project to be shared with the class/school/world.
Loving sports, Connor immediately knew his passion project had to somehow involve football or baseball. After brainstorming a few different project ideas, he came up with the idea of holding a football clinic for kids with special needs. Both Mrs. Gray and Connor's parents agreed this was an ambitious project, but they were determined to assist him in making it a reality.
Through the help of Brian Rochon, a Pioneer middle school social studies teacher and high school football coach, Connor's Passion Project quickly came to fruition in the summer of 2014. Coaches from Plymouth High School's football program guided participants through non-contact football drills. Additionally, each participant had a high school football player by their side offering assistance and encouragement.
The 2014-2019 football clinics were just as rewarding for the volunteers as they were for the participants. Regrettably, the 2020 football clinic was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, however we look forward to holding it in again on July 30, 2021.
Brian Rochon, Director
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Connor "Sunshine" Sherman (2013)
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Connor and Melanie Gray (2015)
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If you are wondering how Connor came up with the name of the football clinic, look no further than the 2000 film, Remember the Titans. In the movie, the long-haired quarterback was given the nickname "Sunshine" by his teammates. Having a similar hairstyle and showing signs of being a quarterback, Connor's 1st grade flag football coach gave him the nickname "Sunshine." The nickname stuck, and Connor wanted to incorporate it into the clinic. Remember the Titans is an all-time favorite movie of Connor's. Coach Herman Boone's message of acceptance and showing compassion for those who are different stuck with him. As a result of Coach Boone's powerful message, a really awesome annual event continues to be held in our community.
In an amazing coincidence, P-CCS Superintendent of Schools, Monica Merritt, is the daughter of the late Coach Boone.
In an amazing coincidence, P-CCS Superintendent of Schools, Monica Merritt, is the daughter of the late Coach Boone.