NASH GETS THE SHOT

On Dec. 7, the Franklin (Texas) High football team was preparing for a state semifinal game against Edna with a customary send-off pep rally at the school.

The Lions are the biggest show in the town of 1,614 about 65 miles southeast of Waco. The 3A powerhouse entered the season two-time defending state champion and was working on making it back for a fourth straight year. But before the band fired up the fight song, there was an important first order of business: a surprise for a local celebrity.

The football team's leadership group called Nash Pils, a 17-year-old junior with Down syndrome, to the gym floor. A naturally gifted photographer, Nash has become the documentarian of a small town's sports programs, and in turn, the football team has become his champion.

Students chanted, "Nash! Nash! Nash!" as Nash waved his arms to encourage them to get louder. Then the football players, holding a sign that said "Thank you, Nash! Our MVP," presented him with a gift-wrapped box.

Nash opened his gift and found a $2,000 camera lens that would allow him to grow as a photographer. The community came together to crowdfund the new gear -- reaching the goal in about 12 hours -- just in time for the road trip...read more + pictures