For thousands of students nationwide, the everyday stress of school can sometimes be overwhelming.

One Struthers kindergartener has had a rough time getting adjusted to his school routine while coming back from holiday break. But, with the help of the Struthers Varsity Football Team, the young boy now has a bit more optimism.

Struthers teacher Jenna Agnone's youngest son, Ty, has recently struggled with going to school, making morning drop-offs challenging and emotional.

"After a long winter break at home, coming back to school was pretty rough for him," Agnone told 21 News on Friday. "He just refused to get out of my car. The first time he refused to get out of the car in the drop-off line is one I'll never forget. He was hysterical, clinging onto the back of my seat saying, 'Mama, please don't leave me.' My heart broke. I left that line and cried myself to work."

With the help of Ty's mom and newly minted Struthers Varsity Football Coach, John Pascarella, the Struthers Wildcats Football Team worked together to brighten Ty's outlook.

"Ty, what's up my man," Coach Pascarella said to start the video. "I'm not supposed to be recruiting kids right now. I'm breaking the rules a little bit because I know you're only in kindergarten, but a lot of us have our eyes on you already."

Coach Pascarella was once in Agnone's shoes with his kids. "That short drive from the elementary to the middle school, you just feel like the worst parent. To see what she was going through, we wanted to do anything we could," Pascarella said.

Coach Pascarella knew some shoutouts from the big kids would do much more than just put a smile on Ty's face. "I put the idea out there at our lifting session the other day and many kids wanted to get involved," Pascarella said. "They wanted to offer Ty some uplifting encouragement and the rest is history."

"I heard you're having a rough time lately going back to school and all of that," one high school student said. "It's alright. I was there a couple of weeks ago. Let me tell you, you just got to push through it."

"I want you to know that you shouldn't stress too much about going to school," another student said. "Especially since you're a big Struthers guy and you want to play one day out there."

"You're going to be fine," another student added. "You're going to be great. Just try to do your best at getting back to school."

You can watch the video here:

 
User: Jenna To: link

 

Ty's mom says the video has helped him stay positive while feeling more supported and encouraged about school.

"I woke him up one morning and he sat there and watched the whole video," Agnone said. "That morning, without tears, he was given the courage to push through his fears and walk into school. He was so excited. It goes to show what impact your words can have."

"You need to be a Wildcat one day and we want you in this locker room and that weight room over there," said another student. "And to do that, you need to come to school."

"Time flies and you gotta make the best of what you have in all your moments in school," another player told Ty in the video.

Coach Pascarella's son, Christian, even shared his similar struggles when he was Ty's age.

"Ty, I could not be anywhere without my Mom and Dad when I was in kindergarten," Christian said to Ty in the video. "One thing that really made me get away from this and start to really love school was realizing how much love my teachers and my friends had for me. It's okay to be sad that you're parents aren't there but realize that you have people there who love you just as much and care for you just as much. It helps you get through school and have a great time. Ty, always remember that it's a great day to be a Wildcat."

"Even today, I just connected it to my car and played it again for him," Agnone told 21 News. "And he just sat there and listened to it the whole time. No gripping. No whining. It definitely helps." 

"My players are starting to see the effect and impact they have on the community," Pascarella said.

Ty's parents also credit the support from the school's teachers and counselors who go above and beyond every day to make him feel comfortable.