WTOC, Savannah, Georgia, news, weather and sports | Coastal Middle School pays tribute to one of its own
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Adam Newman.
His team sat with Adam's wheelchair and helmet in the middle during the ceremony.
The team retired Adam's jersey, number 91.By Brooke Kelley - bio | email
SAVANNAH, GA (WTOC) - All the students at Coastal Middle School came together this afternoon to honor a very special young man.
15-year-old Adam Newman drowned over the summer, but the students are keeping his memory alive with a special pep-rally tribute to Adam.
There wasn't a dry eye in the house as students, teachers and Adam's family honored the selfless young man who touched so many lives.
"He never met a stranger and he just belonged and they just made him feel welcomed and for them to continue to feel welcomed. You know even though we are dealing with him being here spiritually we just appreciate it so much," said Adam's stepmother Karen Newman.
Adam had cerebral palsy but his stepmother says it never stopped him from doing anything. Treasured pictures tell the story of baseball, swimming, celebrating St. Patrick's Day and spending lots of time with his football team. Adam was their manager.
"Adam that was his way to contribute to athletics he enjoyed being part of a team," said Karen.
This afternoon, his team with Adam's wheelchair and helmet in the middle, retired Adam's jersey, number 91.
"As principal at Coastal Middle School and by the powers invested by the Board of Education, I do here by on the 9th of October declare jersey number 91 forever more retires from service," said Coastal Middle School principal Kerry Coursey during the ceremony.
"Sports was a part of his life that goes to show you because a child is in a chair, that doesn't mean they should stop from being involved or active," said Karen Newman.
Football coach Richard Riley spoke to the students about Adam's dedication.
"Adam and his grandfather agreed he would go to practice. I have some players that missed practice, but every day at 3pm, a white van would pull up and Adam would get out and roll out in his wheelchair," said Riley.
They'll never forget Adam there on the sidelines always cheering them on. The players will take that treasured memory on the field for their first game this season.
Donna Newman-Scott and grandmother Nancy Newman were also at today's ceremony.
"It warms my heart to see support and all the kids excited to come here and pay respect to his memory," said Donna Newman-Scott.
"No matter where he went, he left an impression it was always good. You went away with a good feeling," said Nancy Newman.
His family hopes everyone walked away with that good feeling and confidence that no challenge is to big.
We mentioned a lot of things about Adam, but he really enjoyed was spending time with his grandfather, who couldn't make it to today's ceremony. He is currently in the hospital.
