Packers Land in the Nest

During what students were thinking was going to be a typical assembly in the gym, principal Scott Kennow gives his typical speech. He speaks on attendance, the upcoming prom and other subjects involving the school. Subtly, Kennow keeps checking the doors to the gym, looking out for what’s to come. When he’s given the go-ahead, he introduces the Green Bay Packers to the school as part of their 2024 Tailgate Tour.

This year’s tour includes current players Elgton Jenkins, Kenny Clark and Rasheed Walker, alumni Bryan Bulaga, Mike Daniels and Alex Green and President/CEO Mark Murphy. Indian Trail was the first stop on the second day of the tour.

“

Being able to interact with them in any way possible, it was pretty cool. I didn’t want to miss the opportunity.

— Abby Rozzoni

“My entire family is a football family and I grew up always watching it,” Abby Rozzoni (9) said. “Being able to interact with them in any way possible, it was pretty cool. I didn’t want to miss the opportunity.”

Students had the chance to participate in a Q&A with the players. Corbin Burrell-Warfield (9) and Packers alumni Alex Green share a heartfelt moment together on the court.

“You know, they really opened my eyes,” Burrell-Warfield said. “I already had the ‘why’ I needed to push myself, but he really wanted to make me follow through with it more. I’m definitely going to work harder.”

Kennow had known since September about the Packers coming to school. He only told his parents and his wife, and he shared that he was struggling to keep something so big from his friends and colleagues.

“When I knew they were coming, they told me it had to be a secret,” Kennow said. “I’m not super great with secrets. I was giddy knowing that like six months later we were gonna be having this opportunity to bring them in. It ended up being really well worth it and it’s a great day.”

According to the official Packers Instagram account, the goal of their Tailgate Tour is to spread the message of overcoming adversity and the importance of hope. Players talked about the challenges that they personally faced and how they overcame them.

“Two years ago, I tore my ACL,” Elgton Jenkins said. “It took like nine months to come back from that injury and it was one of the hardest things that I had to ever endure in my life.”

The personal experiences shared by Packers players left an impact on the students.

“Those men really inspired me because they’re actually, like, up there and I want to be like them,” Burrell-Warfield said.

About the Contributors

Ava Smith, Copy Editor

Junior Ava Smith is in her first year of publications and is a co-copy editor for The Blaze yearbook. Smith found her interest for publication in her sophomore year, when she took a photojournalism class. The class led her to find her passion of being in any area of the journalism field. Smith plays on the Indian Trail softball team, which she has been a member of since her freshman year. She also helps out at any open house nights her school has, goes to after school events to keep up with the community and is a TA for her adviser, Mrs. Corbett. In her free time, she likes to bake and play the piano. She also enjoys building Legos and spending time with her loved ones. Although she is not sure where she wants to continue her studies after high school, she knows she wants to follow the journalism pathway. “I can’t wait to see the final book this year,” Smith said. “The staff is so incredible and they’ve been working so hard, I just can’t wait.”

Cameren Leipzig, Yearbook Staff

Cameren Leipzig is a junior and It is her first year on The Blaze staff, she helps by writing stories, designing spreads and photographing events. She is in the Communications Academy on the digital media track. She enjoys music and is involved in her school's audition girls choir. She also manages her school varsity girls basketball team, going to practice everyday after school and on weekends, and games 2-3 times a week.

Lizzett Barrera, Yearbook Staff

Lizzett Barrera, an Indian Trail Communication’s junior, working as a first year on the yearbook staff for The Blaze. Barrera's passion for cameras started during a family vacation and was in charge of capturing all sorts of memories. At the young age of 12 she was intrigued by clicking on all sorts of links and youtube videos of the news such as on Inside Edition about current events around the world. Barrera takes part in the digital media pathway in the Communications Academy, having a minimalistic style in design. She also enjoys playing violin in her high school’s orchestra, as music is a must for Barrera listening to playlists all day long, everyday. Barrera at the moment is indecisive on what to major in, but has a set decision to minor in Spanish. However she is keeping her graphic design skills in mind. “I’m really glad I get to be part of a family where our memories can be frozen in time,” Barrera said.

Talon Larson, Design Editor

Talon Larson, a junior in the Communications Academy, and the design editor of The Blaze. As a new staff member this school year, Larson is having little trouble acclimating to the fast paced work environment of The Blaze. He loves to hangout with his friends and his dog Ember, but sometimes likes to hang back with a good book or audiobook. As a self-proclaimed music lover, Larson explores new genres with every listen. You'll never see him without his headphones on. “My favorite part of yearbook is getting to know what the students at the school are interested in,” Larson said

Dan Zalazar-Ramirez, Photo Editor

Daniel Zalazar-Ramirez, a senior, has been in The Blaze yearbook since 2021. Zalazar-Ramirez was looking for something new, and The Blaze piqued his interest. He found an interest in journalism and photography and has been pursuing that interest ever since. Zalazar-Ramirez is a photo editor for The Blaze. He is in charge of selecting the photo of the week and setting up equipment for the staff to use for coverage of events. In his free time he enjoys working out, playing video games, photography and hanging out with friends. “The best thing about being on staff is making new friends and getting close with each other. It’s like a second family,” Zalazar-Ramirez said.

Avah Rumph, Photo Editor

Avah Rumph is a Communications Senior and is a very friendly and caring individual. She is able to connect with people easily and presents herself with great responsibility. In her last year of high school, this is her second year on The Blaze yearbook staff and is one of the photo editors. Interested in the school’s yearbook team, she joined out of pure curiosity hoping to engage in the school activities. “Joining the yearbook has been a great experience for me," Rumph said. "I’ve met so many amazing people here and learned so much about hard work and dedication in a strong team”. Outside of school, Rumph utilizes her time by making music with her acoustic guitar and writi

The Blaze Yearbook

The Blaze Yearbook

The Blaze Yearbook

Packers Land in the Nest

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