Bridgeport News Stories

The electric atmosphere surrounding the Bridgeport High School (BHS) boys' soccer team's state match was undeniable. Across the Bridgeport Independent School District (BISD), staff members were buzzing with excitement, eager to see former students compete on the grandest stage of the season. Among them was Megan Horn, a 5th-grade teacher, whose anticipation was matched only by that of her daughter, Emarie. While Megan initially couldn't pinpoint why her 3rd-grade daughter was so enthusiastic, she was simply happy to share the moment with her.

The mystery was solved the moment the team introductions began. As the players took the field, Emarie began chanting at the top of her lungs, "Xxavier! Xxavier!"

It clicked. Xxavier Garza wasn't just a star athlete to Emarie; he was the "Ready, Set, Teach" helper from the high school who assisted in Candice Bentley’s 3rd-grade classroom. For Emarie, the match wasn't just about school spirit—it was about cheering for a mentor.

"My high school helper was there, and I got to take a picture with him, and I got to hug him!" Emarie beamed.

The game reached a fever pitch when the team scored in the final moments. Emarie, ecstatic and confident, declared to the crowd, "We're gonna win this!"

The victory was a "full circle" moment for many, but especially for teacher Candice Bentley. To her, Xxavier wasn't just the high schooler helping in her room; he was once the little boy sitting in it. In a 2016 class photo, a young Xxavier can be seen in the front row, proudly sporting a soccer shirt—a passion he never outgrew.

Bentley noted that her current students are always eager to discuss the "big kids" who help in their classrooms, and seeing Xxavier succeed on the field served as a powerful inspiration. It was a poignant reminder of the lasting bonds formed within the BISD community, where today's students are tomorrow's champions.