Local Youth Inspired to Give Back to His Community
Episcopal School of Knoxville student Rockne Ullrich presents a donation to Emerald Youth Foundation’s Haylee Marshall. Rockne raised the money through a school service project.
Rockne Ullrich, an eighth grader at the Episcopal School of Knoxville, recently raised money for Emerald Youth Foundation by teaching elementary students how to play flag football.
Each eighth grader at ESK does a portfolio project, and Rockne chose the history of Notre Dame football.
Not only does Rockne enjoy playing flag football for his school, but he was also named after one of Notre Dame’s greatest football coaches, Knute Rockne. Along with an incredible name sake, Rockne has a great- grandfather and grandfather who both attended the University of Notre Dame, and his great-grandfather actually played for Knute Rockne.
With so many connections to Notre Dame, there was no doubt on Rockne’s topic of choice for his portfolio project.
As a part of the project, students were asked to include a service aspect of their choice. Rockne decided to offer an after-school, flag football camp to ESK’s lower school students for four days, with the proceeds going to Emerald Youth.
Seven students participated, and Rockne coached them on catching the ball, pulling flags and running different plays. Each day, they would end by having a scrimmage.
Rockne said that all of the elementary students learned a lot and improved after his camp. He really enjoyed the experience, and being the coach gave him a new perspective.
Lower school students at Episcopal School of Knoxville participate in a flag football camp coached by upper school student Rockne Ullrich.
One of the main reasons he wanted the money to go to Emerald Youth was because it’s a local organization and helps young people right here in Knoxville. He expressed that it’s important to give back.
“Adults and older generations are continuously giving, and sometimes younger generations may take this for granted,” he said.
Rockne is passionate about giving back and helping those in our community. Emerald Youth Foundation is grateful for Rockne’s generosity and desire to serve others!