Moved to Action: Spirit of Feis, Stoneman Douglas Inspires Patterson

Andrew Patterson never met Aaron Feis. Honestly, before the tragic events that occurred on Feb. 14, Patterson had never heard of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.

That makes sense. Patterson is a Jersey guy, an English teacher and the head football coach at Robbinsville, nearly 1,200 miles north of Parkland, Fla., a town forever etched in the national conscience after the tragic events on Valentine’s Day, when the soul of the nation endured heartbreak upon hearing of the senseless school shooting that cost 17 people their lives, one being Feis, a devoted school security guard as well as an assistant on the MSD football staff.

Yet, football is not what subsequently drew Patterson into action. No, that was sparked by something far deeper, something well beyond the bond of scheming Xs and Os and more about pure compassion.

Last month, while scrolling social media, Patterson noticed a post by Charlie Bryan, an old football colleague from their days working at Camp Lohikan outside of Scranton. It was a flyer promoting the Feis Bowl, an event, schedule for June 9 at Stoneman Douglas that will pit MSD alumni versus current students in a football game with proceeds benefiting the school. The philanthropic Patterson was compelled to act.

“I texted Charlie and asked if anyone can help sponsor it,” noted Patterson. “They’re trying to raise funds that are going to the school. I reached out to be one of the sponsors.”

But, this story is more than a financial gesture bestowed by Patterson. Feis’ background, the level of advocacy for the students he was entrusted to oversee, his unflinching willingness to protect them from the shooter and the ultimate sacrifice made to save lives resonated with Patterson. The reaction by Feis admired for where it emanated, out of a heart completely invested in students - much like Patterson's - was a touching example of the good within folks.

“They were his kids and it’s obvious this was much more than a job to him,” said Patterson. “

Thus, this has become more than just a monetary donation to help a worthy cause. Patterson plans to attend the game, not to glorify his contributions but to experience the humanity at the root of Stoneman Douglas. He wants to put faces with names, absorb the emotions of what’s sure to be a powerful evening and relate them upon his return to Robbinsville in teachable interactions with his own students and fellow faculty members.

“School shootings are happening far too often,” said Patterson. “For me. going there as a teacher and a coach will make it become more than a news story. I will see people in stands, that coaching staff. This will personalize things. It’s going to be an experience and I’m hoping to do a little bit a good…to let them know that people outside of their community care about what is going on.

“When we work on college essays, I tell the kids don’t sit there and write an essay. Tell them a story only you can tell. I want to hear and see those stories from the actual people. Headlines don’t do people justice.”

Patterson would have been proud to count Aaron Feis among his circle of friends, something that won’t ever happen. Instead, he’s doing the next best thing, eager to gain insight into a hero and share what he reaps with those in his life. His donation to the event hinting at his unselfish nature but opening a rare window to gain wisdom that can be translated into a lesson on introspection and self-evaluation with Feis the inspiring incentive to stir the good in others.

An act money can’t buy.