June 3, 2003

Coach K,

Patrick Norton spent several days in my fifth/sixth grade classroom working with and offering advice to my 10-12 year old students. I've known Pat since ninth grade and was aware of his excellent character and leadership abilities both on and off the playing field. Before he started working with my students, I figured he'd spend a couple of hours with the students one day and then get on with his busy schedule. It didn't surprise me when he let me know the first day that he would spend all the required hours working with students one-to-one and in small groups. Kudos to the teachers and coaches at UCLA for instilling integrity into your students and athletes.

It did not take long for my kids to warm up to Pat and before long he was working outside in the library teaching pre-algebra lessons to groups of 5-6 students. Most of the students have been identified as gifted and talented, enjoy playing a variety of sports, and are looking forward to attending college in the near future. I encouraged my students to ask Pat questions about setting and achieving goals, about the dedication and determination that is required to gain entrance into a university like UCLA, and what it takes to possibly even earn an academic or athletic scholarship. Pat has an innate teaching ability and when one of my boys asked, "What do I have to do to get a sports scholarship to college?" Pat responded quickly, "What do you think you have to do?" Rather than talking about himself, he encouraged the boy and his peers to think about and discuss what it takes to make it to an elite level in whatever one chooses to do. My colleagues and parents at the school listened in on other discussions and agreed he knew how to relate to the students in a fun yet thought provoking manner. I appreciated the way he became familiar with all of the students and spent time with them individually each day in the classroom.

One of my students, Kellie J., summed up Pat's time with us very well when she told me one day before he arrived that, "I don't have to ask Pat for an autograph, because he's like another teacher in the class...he's like my friend." I believe his encouragement and advice will stay with these young people for many years to come. By the way, Pat and Bruin football have gained 32 fans for life. We'll be on the sidelines this season cheering along as you wave your towel on the sideline.

Thank you for being such a good teacher-leader and for having such a positive affect on your student-athletes. Attached are some pictures of Pat and my students.

Sincerely,
Kevin McGroary and Students of Rosedell Elementary School Room #13