Heart of Gold
“Leadership is not about titles, positions, or flowcharts. It is about one life influencing another.”
—-John C. Maxwell
As educators, we strive each day to teach our students the academic standards needed to handle the rigors of the next grade, the next class, and the adult world. These tools will prepare our future leaders to read and comprehend beyond childhood, complete resumes or cover letters, and apply the basics of mathematics to plan and budget as adults. Beyond academics, our students will need to possess human relations attributes, including compassion, empathy, and teamwork. These skills will make them more marketable in the job market, help them maintain healthy relationships as spouses, parents, friends, and coworkers, provide them with lifelong emotional stability, and equip them to positively influence others. These human relations skills can be taught directly or indirectly, and some are reinforced through our model. Some students come to us already equipped with bits and pieces of these characteristics and simply need encouragement from adults to fully develop them. Then there are those students like Harper Creek eighth grader Brogan Temple who seem to have these traits on full display, modeling to students and teachers alike their importance.
Some of Brogan’s teachers have taken notice of his special qualities. “Even before I met him, I knew Brogan was extra,” said Kayla Whitmyer, one of Brogan’s middle school math teachers. “What I didn’t know was just how extra Brogan was and is... he is extra kind, extra selfless, extra inclusive, extra empathetic, extra compassionate, extra friendly, extra hardworking, extra non-judgmental, extra caring, and extra protective. Brogan is the type of student, athlete, leader, and person that makes everyone, and I mean everyone, he comes in contact with better and happier. His presence is bold, welcoming, and transforming. He is the guy you turn to, not only to celebrate life’s successes, but even more noteworthy, you turn to him for help when struggling, for guidance when lost, and for safety when things are shaky. He is a fierce advocate of what is right, fair, and safe.”
Brogan, the middle child of Ben and Rebecca Temple, has always seemed to have an easy-going personality, with maturity expanding the influence that his personality would have on others. “I was born on October 14 2011,” Brogan noted. “I have an older brother, Maddox, who is 22 years old. He graduated from Harper Creek in 2022. My younger brother Grayson is 12 years old and in 6th grade.” Brogan went on to talk about some of the things that keep him grounded outside of school. “I enjoy grilling. My favorite thing to grill is steaks. I watch YouTube videos to learn how to grill. I follow Max the Meat Guy and Guga. Brats and hot dogs are also some of my favorite foods to grill.” Brogan enjoys traveling and has been to Texas several times to visit family. “I also stay busy with activities that I participate in at the church we attend, New Hope Apostolic Church,” he added. When Brogan isn’t traveling or attending church, he and his family spend a lot of time during their summers in the water, swimming and boating.
Brogan started kindergarten at Wattles Park and continued there through 4th grade before moving on to middle school. No matter what challenges Brogan encounters, he remains upbeat. “School has never come easily for Brogan, but he still does well and makes the best of it,” said his mom, Rebecca. “No matter what obstacles are thrown his way, Brogan never complains.” Perhaps the learning challenges that Brogan has faced have helped to shape his personality of always staying positive and sticking up for the underdog through his compassion. Brogan added to what his mom said. “I wasn’t always such a good kid,” he noted. “I feel that I have matured over the last few years. I just want to care about and help other people.”
Brogan’s elementary school experience ended with the pandemic, a period of time many of us would rather forget. Despite the pandemic, Brogan has some fond memories from his five years of elementary school. “I enjoyed elementary school at Wattles Park,” Brogan explained. “The building feels a lot smaller now than when I attended. I started playing sports during my elementary years, participating in Wattles Park Men's Club soccer and basketball. I also started Rocket Football in 4th grade. Rocket Football was canceled in my 3rd-grade year because of COVID. I try to block out the years during COVID.”
The transition to middle school for Brogan was a smooth one. He was ready to make his mark and influence a new group of friends and teachers. Sports continued to be a big part of his life. “I started wrestling in 5th grade,” Brogan noted. “I have participated in wrestling, football, lacrosse, and track since starting 5th grade. Lacrosse and track are during the same sports season. This takes up a lot of time doing two sports at the same time. I would also like to play all of these sports in high school. I would say that I like all sports equally.” Each sport has provided special experiences for Brogan. “For football, we went undefeated for three consecutive years starting in 6th grade,” he explained. “I remember scoring a touchdown in one of our football games. I was on the offensive line, and one of my teammates fumbled the ball. I picked it up and ran it in. I feel that track is a lot more social. I have been a thrower, and I also participated in the 4 by 100 relay. I can remember winning a wrestling match and helping my opponent get back up. Sportsmanship is something that comes naturally to me. Helping someone out is something I like to do.” Perhaps what Brogan appreciated most about sports is that his football coaches would share a quote with him and he teammates before each practice and game. “These quotes are always inspiring,” Brogan mentioned.
As important as athletics are for Brogan, it is another extracurricular activity group that Brogan enjoys the most and where he has thrived. “I joined the student council this year,” said Brogan. “I heard about it and knew immediately that I wanted to be a part of it. I like to help people, and so I decided to try it. We have cleaned around the school grounds, putting new mulch in the yards. I suggested that next year we put mulch out at some of the other buildings. We also went to nursing homes to sing Christmas Carols. We meet once a month to discuss what we can do to help out. I absolutely plan on being on the student council in high school. I have completed all the paperwork to do this. One of my favorite activities was when our student council hosted the Special Olympics this year. It was fun helping out with this. We helped elementary kids all the way to 22-year-olds.”
Volunteering his time to help with the Special Olympics fits perfectly into what makes Brogan tick. He is in his element when his actions help to bring out the best in others. Mrs. Whitmyer has seen this character strength on display with Brogan countless times. “Whether it is his daily greetings at the door, his pride in others’ accomplishments, his ability to multiply joy, or his call to serve and give back to his school and community, Brogan carries himself in a way that makes you want to be the best version of yourself,” she explained. “He lifts others up, both figuratively and literally, and has a knack for ensuring everyone in his presence authentically belongs. Life is heavy, and the world can be cold, but Brogan is a glowing example of humanity and kindness. I could not be prouder of everything Brogan is and what he isn’t. He is EXACTLY what this world needs.”
Like many teenagers, Brogan has found that sports and extracurricular activities have been and will continue to be a huge part of his school experience. Still, the classroom is also part of his ongoing story. He was asked to talk about a few of his favorite classes, but he had a difficult time narrowing down the list. “Some of my favorite classes have been 8th Grade math with Mrs. Whitmyer," Brogan said. “I have also enjoyed social studies with Mr. Reese and science with Mr. Shipley. Social Studies last year with Mrs. Dempsey was also memorable. She was a first-year teacher. We were her guinea pigs. Mr. Bowling, the weightlifting teacher, and PE teacher, Mr. Newland, were also among my favorite teachers. I also enjoyed life skills with Mr. Dishaw.”
The student/teacher relationship often works both ways, with teachers having a profound impact on students and students also inspiring teachers. Like Mrs. Whitmyer, Brittany Ries, a teacher in Brogan’s co-taught math class, has also felt his influence. “As a teacher for the last 15 years, I've had many students walk through my classroom door,” Mrs. Ries recalled. “Brogan is definitely one of a kind. I have many fond memories of Brogan, but my favorite from this year has to do with his genuine kindness to others. One day, I witnessed him greet EVERY single classmate with a "Morning, (insert classmate name here)!" as they walked into math class. He looked at each of them. He said every one of their names. That's just Brogan. I am lucky enough to work with him for two hours out of my day. Part of my job is preparing our 8th graders for life at the high school and beyond. One day, I asked Brogan, "What kind of work do you want to do as an adult?" He quickly answered, "I want a job where I can help people." I wasn't shocked by his response. I would have if it were any other 8th grader, but that's just Brogan.” Brogan was the recent recipient of a new award given at the middle school end of the year award ceremony. “The 8th-grade team started department awards this year,” said Mrs. Whitmyer, “and Brogan’s name repeatedly got brought up as a fantastic human, student, and leader who perseveres through life's challenges. He was chosen by his teachers to receive the Excellence in Resilience Award.”
As Brogan comes to the end of his middle school years, another transition is on the horizon as he goes to the high school on the south side of campus. This is a transition that Brogan looks forward to as he is introduced to new teachers and coaches. “I am excited about going to high school next year with new teachers, classes, and athletic experiences,” he shared. “I have heard that there is a prayer club in high school, which is something I would like to join.” Brogan’s mantra is to live in the moment and cherish each day as it comes, but he still considers his future as an adult. He mentioned several possibilities for careers, including a professional athlete, a chef, or a construction worker. Ultimately, he wants to be able to help others in whatever he chooses to do.
Teachers are awarded with an array of emotions that create a sense of contentment and fulfillment. One of these emotions is the pride that is often felt for students. Many of Brogan’s teachers are blessed with this sense of pride, with his mom and dad sharing the same sentiments. “He is a very humble leader,” noted his mom, Rebecca. “He is constantly helping other kids. Brogan is always very positive, even when things don’t go this way. He is very encouraging to others. Being helpful is his nature. Sports have helped with his work ethic, attitude, and leadership skills. It is not necessarily his goal to have people be proud of him, but it is so easy to be proud of him.” His father, Ben, expressed similar thoughts. “Brogan’s has shown a natural positive attitude, and an element of charisma has come out over the last few years,” Ben added. “As he has matured, we have seen more of this. He has also become a peacemaker. His teachers say that Brogan is always eager to learn.”
Like many of our students, Brogan has added many positives to the culture and climate of our schools. His influence will shift next year to high school, with four more years to grow personally and to also help others grow. He is larger than life.