The Chicago Bears announced today that the Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley (GCMS) High School football team in Gibson City, Illinois has been named the ninth and final Community High School All-Star award winner of the season. From March through May, the Community High School All-Star award, brought to you by Athletico Physical Therapy, recognized nine high school football players/teams making a positive impact in their community and school. Each winner received a custom hand-painted football, gift bag and invitation to a future Bears event. The Bears are making a $500 donation to the charitable organization of the team’s choosing; GCMS has decided to split their donation between the Gibson City American Legion and Gibson Area Shriner’s Club.
Congratulations to the @GcmsFalcon football team for being named the final 2022 @ChicagoBears Community High School All-Stars recipients! This award is brought to you by @Athletico.
— Chicago Bears (@BearsOutreach) May 5, 2022
The team helped families and businesses in their community clean up after a major flood. #CHSAS pic.twitter.com/i0fHfbONyL
On August 12, during the first week of GCMS’ football season, Gibson City was flooded with 10 inches of rain in approximately 10 hours. The day after the storm, GCMS players and coaches helped affected families clean out their houses and local businesses.
“One of the greatest feelings in the world is the satisfaction that you get from helping others,” said senior Braylen Kean. “It meant the world to the people in our community of Gibson City and it was amazing seeing how everyone came together to tackle this devastating situation. As a Bears fan myself, this is awesome to be recognized by the Chicago Bears.”
Coaches and players moved more than 50 large appliances and furniture from basements to help prevent further flood damage. Their efforts inspired other GCMS athletic teams to join the movement and help their community.
“That day was devastating to our community, but to see the outpouring of help from everyone was special,” said head coach Mike Allen, who retired this season. “There were all kinds of students and adults helping those who needed it and it just brought our community closer. We are always talking about serving others and our students put those words into action and we couldn’t have been more proud of them. What they did during those days were more valuable than any win or loss could ever be.”
The above story is from the Chicago Bears
2021 Chicago Bears Community High School All-Star Award Winners
Week 8 – Lyden King, Rock Falls HS
Week 7 – Brooklynn Syrcle, Argenta-Oreana HS
Week 6 – Danny Pasko, Lyons Township HS
Week 5 – Owen McGuire, Plainfield South HS
Week 4 – Anthony Kuceba, Marmion Academy
Week 3 – Mason Morris, Nokomis HS
Week 2 – Will Seibert and Dylan Christopherson, Jacobs HS
Week 1 – Miguel Hernandez, Mundelein HS
