Carolina Panthers help refurbish local high school courtyard

Students spend their free time in these areas, eating lunch and enjoying being back on campus.

• “To beautify these areas will be important to their social and emotional health,” Harding University High athletics director Bryant Bailey said.

From veteran players like Rock Hill native Stephon Gilmore to second-year players like Derrick Brown, owners David and Nicole Tepper, head coach Matt Rhule, general manager Scott Fitterer, it was the first time since the pandemic players were able to gather for a team community project like this.

• “Our guys could give money, that’s easy, but to come out and give their time, to come out and be present, hopefully it speaks into the lives of the young people at this school,” Rhule said.
• Said Panthers defensive end Brian Burns: “You’re never too good to come out and help.”

Why it matters: Beloved Harding principal Eric Ward died in September.

• Bailey said Ward would have loved the Panthers coming out and beautifying the school.
• The school also won the 2017 state championship and initially could not afford state championship rings, but community members stepped in, donating thousands of dollars to purchase rings.
• Former Panther Thomas Davis made up the difference for the team to get their rings.

Worthy of your time: The Panthers also support the school’s athletics programs through uniform and equipment donations.