Best Pep Fest in America? Canadian, Texas.

In a recent Facebook post, my friend Bob Nartonis wrote:

“It is so important, today, that stories like these take on a life of their own - for no other reason than to give others hope. Hope that we can do more to help and support each other and pay goodness forward.”

Nartonis understands the essence of the book I wrote—“Every Day is Game Day.” I’d been hearing stories of the good deeds being performed by the people in my hometown of Two Harbors, Minnesota. Their stories were too inspirational for me to cut things short—and refrain from writing, and writing, and writing.

But after living in Denver for 18 years, and Texas for 10, I knew there were also good people beyond Minnesota. Therefore, I threw a dart against the wall and wrote the second half of the book about folks in Canadian, Texas.

It’s become extraordinarily easy to lose sight of the following reality in our country:

There are good people everywhere—Minnesota, Texas, Colorado—EVERYWHERE.

I witnessed the Senior Day pep fest in Canadian in 2023. I was blown away.

I wanted to see it again and was blessed to be in Canadian on November 7, 2025. Once again, it was terrific.

What makes this pep fest special? Parental involvement and the excitement of the younger students. The parents practiced several times before this gathering. They wore costumes with the faces of their graduating Seniors. They tried and failed to synchronize their dance steps. It was far from perfect, but a glorious effort.

In this video, you’ll see parents go far beyond their comfort zones to honor their kids, their school, and their community. You’ll see kids having fun with those parents, teachers, and other community members present.

They celebrate with—and for—each other.

This is as good as it gets.