It is rare when the Media produces stories about the good works today's students perform. We tend to hear about the 2% that are involved with drinking,drugs, or some others offense.

When I first heard about this story I was on the air doing my radio show. For some reason it had such a positive impact on me that I began to tear up. Just thinking about how much was involved to make this happen helped me realize, again, that we are doing something right raising todays kid. I hope after reading this story you feel the same. I am proud of the Apollo family. Teachers, Staff and students alike.

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Apollo High School demonstrated an example of its commitment to the school motto of “Always an Eagle Family” recently when more than 1,000 students, faculty and staff members signed a card for student Sam Rutland. 

Sam, a senior at Apollo, has been in the intensive care unit at Vanderbilt Hospital in Nashville since Feb. 15. He had surgery to remove soft tissue from the palate of his mouth to help with his sleep apnea. After surgery, he contracted pneumonia and has been in ICU since that time.  

The card was designed by AHS art teacher Rick Phelps with the theme “Signatures for Sam.” The project was coordinated by Obbie Todd, health/physical education teacher at AHS. Coach Todd is the Special Olympics weight lifting coach at Apollo, and has been Sam’s coach since 2007.  “Of all the things I’ve ever done teaching, working with these kids is the best,” said Coach Todd. 

Coach Todd is one of Sam’s biggest fans. “Sam was born with Downs; he’s had open heart surgery; he bench presses 280 pounds. Why would I NOT want to hang around someone like that!” he said. 

The family expressed their appreciation to the Eagle Family. Sam’s mother, Eden Rutland, said they are very thankful for the support shown to their family throughout Sam’s hospitalization, and throughout his career as a student-athlete at Apollo High School. 

“This is a reflection of the positive and caring atmosphere we have at AHS,” said Principal Charles Broughton. “We are all looking forward to welcoming Sam home again very soon.”

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