The Power of Teamwork
Over the last three years, Bridgton Academy has been fortunate to develop a strong relationship with Jon Cross, co-founder, Kennedy Park Football Club; founder, Cross Wellness; and assistant soccer coach, Saint Joseph’s College. Jon has come to campus to speak to the last three classes about his life, life transitions, the highs and the lows that came with those transitions, and how he was eventually able to create stability through routine, structure, and relationships. In his most recent visit to campus, Jon spoke about the importance of community and how it not only has shaped him as an individual, but as a teammate, friend, and mentor to others. Using the soccer club he founded, Kennedy Park FC, as the premise of his talk, Jon highlighted the importance of teamwork on the field, in the classroom, and in the dorm that can lead young adults to heights that they never thought they could attain. Joining him on stage was a current member of the Bridgton Academy soccer team, Muntasir Ahmed ’22. Muntasir eloquently spoke about how he has greatly benefited from being involved in the sport of soccer– from the relationships that he forged, to how it has helped to him grow into the teammate, classmate, and peer that he is today. Muntasir reflected on the event saying, “I was shocked by the praise given to me by my peers and teachers after my speech. They have all given me the confidence I’ve desperately needed to continue pushing and fighting for a change within the youth community in Portland. And for that I’d like to say, ‘thank you BA family!’”