Osseo Area Schools ISD 279: Mr. Soccer Meets Cedar Island Elementary Fifth Graders

Press release from the Osseo Area Schools ISD 279:

February 3, 2022

Star Tribune Metro Player Mr. Soccer recipient Sidike Jabeteh met with fans from a fifth grade Cedar Island Elementary School class. Teacher Angela Bailey-Aldrich and reading specialist Shelly Wallace organized a virtual meet-and-greet for Jabeteh to share advice and feedback on athletics and what it means to be a great student.

After being recognized as the Mr. Soccer recipient in November, 33 students in Bailey- Aldrich's class wrote letters to Jabeteh congratulating him.These letters of encouragement raised the spirits of this Park Center graduating senior and showed how his hard work had such an impact on younger students.

Reading specialist, Shelly Wallace was excited to share praise for Jabeteh. During the meet-and-greet, Wallace described Jabeteh as a good student with excellent grades.

"He is a great classmate, so he is an all around pretty awesome dude,” said Wallace.

Bailey-Alrdich’s students took turns asking Jabeteh questions, including how he became such a good soccer player and the importance of being a part of a team.

"You learn everything from your teammates. Everyday you get to learn new stuff, and even though they say I was the best player on the team, I was learning from them. My teammates were also learning from me,” Jabeteh shared.

This advice resonated with students, and motivated them to think about their roles as peers. Students also asked questions of Jabeteh’s coach, Craig Kaizer.

“Love what you do. Whether it is soccer, school, being at home, anywhere you go, just bring a positive energy, and then try your hardest, and if you fail keep going,” Kaizer said.

As an expression of gratitude, Jabeteh sent a gift for Bailey-Aldrich’s students to open during the virtual meet and greet. The gift included signed paper soccer balls, soccer bracelets, jolly ranchers, and a soccer ball that was used in one of Jabeteh’s games to keep in the classroom.

Though this meet-and-greet was virtual, students in Bailey-Aldrich’s class look forward to meeting Jabeteh this spring when the weather is warm enough for them to kick their signed soccer ball around outside.

This press release was produced by the Osseo Area Schools ISD 279. The views expressed here are the author’s own.