These Kids Get It

There are good people in New Mexico. In Eastern New Mexico, there are heated rivalries between many school districts. None can claim to be more intense than the rivalry between Hobbs and Clovis. Clovis dominates football, Hobbs dominates basketball. If a resident of one town finds themselves in the other, many times the friendliness cools a degree or two. In the 80’s there were even reports of cars having eggs thrown at them as they left town following a game. From grade school on, every kid is taught that the other school is a hated rival that we take pleasure in thumping. I’m sure that it is the same way in Hobbs.

On March 23, an F-2 tornado ripped through Clovis causing several hundred million dollars worth of damage. Many who were hit were of little means and are now destitute. The local citizens have come together to help each other in a special way. A month after the storm, people still give extraordinarily to meet the needs of those who were impacted.

Perhaps the most astonishing gift came this week from the students of the Hobbs school district. The students of Hobbs made collection jars and wrapped them in the colors of their hated rival Clovis Wildcats. Then they began collecting “Coins for Clovis.” Last week, the Hobbs district superintendent delivered a check for $2,500 to the United Way of Eastern New Mexico. While the amount may seem insignificant in comparison to the overall need, the gesture is not. Some parents, educators, and others have taught the kids of Hobbs values lessons that have been learned well. I can only hope that our kids have learned that as well.

To the students of Hobbs, New Mexico Municipal Schools I want to say, “Thank you. You have shown that the human endeavors of day-to-day life are greater than the façade of gamesmanship between our communities. God bless you.”