The annual Thanksgiving Assembly took place on November 21, 2017. After the each class president spoke about what they were thankful for this season, the honorary speaker Mr. Paul McFadden, former NFL kicker and current President of YSU Foundation, shared a few words. He expressed his gratitude including the Poland community, his family, and numerous opportunities he has had.

We spoke to Mr. McFadden afterwards to ask him a couple questions.

McFadden stated that he hopes that his gratitude to our town and most especially his gratitude to the teachers and staff of PSHS is what everyone took away from the speech.

He added, “We are all fortunate to live in Poland, Ohio.”

McFadden reflected on the honor of being the guest speaker.

He stated, “This assembly is a very special tradition.  From the entrance of the classes highlighting the senior class, to each class representative sharing their thoughts, it is a great honor to be a part of this special annual event.”

McFadden says his message was very similar to his 2010 message, which he gave at PSHS Commencement, full of gratitude and appreciation for Poland.  However, he said that now that both of his sons have attended and graduated from PSHS, it is only greater to have seen how great their experiences were at PSHS.

McFadden reflected that his platform plays a big role in his public speaking reputation and thinks that any other platform would not hold the importance to him as the opportunity to return to Poland and share with the current generation of Bulldogs.

He said, “My years of playing NFL football has impacted every facet of my life. It taught me discipline, how to deal with failure and success, how to be part of a big organization, yet know your role. I’m overly appreciative of how very fortunate I am to of have had that experience.

Also, McFadden reflected, “PSHS will be a part of my sons’ lives and our family forever. My sons were shaped and grew so much during their years in high school. They have great memories and a great circle of friends they graduated with that I am confident will be life time friends for them.”