02/19/2026
Dear Parents and Families,
As we gather for our season during Black History Month, we do so with heavy hearts following the recent passing of Rev. Jesse Jackson. We join the nation in offering our deepest condolences to his family and to all who were moved by his lifelong commitment to justice. His departure is a profound loss, but his monumental impact on the fabric of our country will never be forgotten.
Let his life be a reflection for us. Many in our own community may remember when Rev. Jackson visited William Penn High School in New Castle back in the 80s. That visit left a lasting mark on Delaware, reminding us that no matter where we come from, we have a seat at the table.
Before he was a world-renowned leader, Rev. Jackson was a dedicated student-athlete—a star quarterback who understood that the discipline, teamwork, and resilience learned on the field are the same tools needed to change the world. He proved that the character we build in our young players today becomes the foundation for the leaders of tomorrow.
In our league, we strive to instill these same values: the courage to stand up for others, the discipline to pursue a goal, and the character to treat every teammate with dignity. As we move forward with our games, we carry his spirit of perseverance and his famous call to "keep hope alive" with us on the field.
Thank you for being part of this community as we honor a man who dedicated his life to making the world a more equitable place for the next generation.
