According to Google, there is a concept called six degrees of separation which means everyone is connected to everyone else by a chain of no more than six acquaintances.

Milo Holman (a seventh grader on the Explorers team) met social media creator Jeremi Barnes at his cousin’s football game. Barnes went viral for his TikTok posts highlighting his work as a high school football ref. Holman shared this visit with Jodi Briggs, the reading teacher. Briggs knew Barnes because he went to school with her sons.

With the help of Briggs, Holman was able to get Barnes to visit with the football team. Briggs and Holman worked with the admin to get permission. Holman worked out the details with Barnes, admin and Coach Sam Bennett.

“I could tell Jeremi was a little nervous at first; this was his first speaking engagement but he did great and had a good message for the team ,” Briggs said. “I hope they enjoyed his visit and the opportunity to take pictures.”

Holman said the process involved emails to coaches, Barnes and Bosch. Once the visit got approved there were more emails about location and time.  It was scary for him once Barnes came because Holman had to talk in front of about 100 people. He didn’t keep the visit a secret but wasn’t purposefully telling others. He was glad kids were happy and wanted to take pics with Barnes.

“The best advice he gave was ‘There is no I in team; unless your name is Kobe Bryant then there is M-E,’” Holman said.

The admin team felt the visit went well. On Facebook, they said, “Jeremi Barnes delivered a powerful message emphasizing the importance of academic achievement, leadership, and responsible decision-making.”