By KATIE HURST/ Staff Writer

CHELSEA — Chelsea High School students got some encouragement and motivation from former University of Alabama quarterback Tyler Watts at the school’s homecoming kickoff event Oct. 12.

The parent teacher organization hosted the school’s annual homecoming dinner, with Watts as the keynote speaker, as the first event leading up to the homecoming football game against Talladega Friday night.

Watts told stories of his days playing for the Crimson Tide and encouraged the students in both football and life.

“It comes down to preparation and then when you walk out onto the field, it’s about focus and how you execute what you’ve been taught,” he said. “Above all else, enjoy the moment and make the most of it.”

PTO president Kim Daniels said the whole community was invited to the dinner to help encourage the students and raise money for teachers.

“The main thing this year is to support the teachers for their wish list,” she said. “We do the best we can to buy anything extra they need, such as a printer, map set, or art supplies. They’re not greedy with what they want, it’s very humbling.”

Dinner was provided by Longhorn Steakhouse and the PTO raised funds through the sales of adult tickets, Daniels said. A silent auction was also set up with items donated from local businesses.

After the dinner, students participated in a kickball game followed by a bonfire pep rally.

Along with raising money for teachers, the event was designed to raise the spirit of students and the community, Daniels said.

“It’s more as a spirit event,” she said. “We’re trying to bring back that old community spirit of homecoming. We’d love to the town on Friday to be covered in blue and white. Many of these students have never experienced that small town community feeling.”