FMHS “Backs the Heroes” During Red Ribbon Week Event
Since 2015, Flower Mound High School has opened its doors to local first responders to thank them for the role that they play in keeping FMHS and the local community safe. After a brief hiatus in 2020, the “Back the Heroes” event is still going strong at FMHS.
The event, which was created by FMHS counselor Amy Berry as a way to thank the campus’s School Resource Officers and Flower Mound Police Department, has expanded to include SROs, the FMPD and the Flower Mound Fire Departments.
“This began as a ‘Back the Blue’ event in 2015,” explained Berry. “We wanted to honor our local police during Red Ribbon Week. In 2018 we changed things a bit and added our firefighters to our celebration. Both groups of first responders do so much to serve and protect our community, and in particular, our schools.”
The special guests were greeted by students and a performance by the FMHS Band before interacting with students as they headed to class. Many students, including representatives of the FMHS cheer squad, football team and Rosettes, spent time conversing with the first responders, thanking them for their service.
As LISD celebrates Red Ribbon Week, a yearly awareness campaign surrounding the impact of drugs in our communities and education initiatives to promote drug-free lifestyles, the importance of recognizing the services of local first responses is front-of-mind for many across the district.
“Instead of only wearing silly socks or baseball caps to raise awareness during Red Ribbon Week,” said Berry, “we wanted to truly honor our first responders. It is also a wonderful opportunity for our students to get to talk to police officers and firefighters in a neutral zone and build trusting relationships.”
Once the bell rang and classes began, the heroes made their way to the cafeteria where they were treated to breakfast and a performance by the FMHS a capella group BluePrint.
For first responders, the "Back the Heroes" event represents an opportunity to connect with the FMHS and LISD community.
"Getting a little positive feedback, whether it be a smile, high five or a thank you goes a long way when it comes from the students and teachers we serve," said FMPD Captain Colin Sullivan.
"That foundation or relationship is what gets us through the good times as well as the bad. It’s what makes Flo-Mo such a great place to live and work."
See more photos from the FMHS Back the Heroes Day event on Flower Mound High School’s Facebook page.
Flower Mound High School is a Lewisville Independent School District high school in Flower Mound, Texas, serving all Jaguars with engaging educational experiences, strong traditions, storied extracurriculars and future-ready opportunities. Follow FMHS on Facebook and Twitter to see more throughout the school year. Join the Lewisville ISD family by enrolling today, or visit Best Schools in Texas to learn more.