Photo by JOSIAH BRIELS

Francis Estep was honored last Friday, Oct. 25, for his years supporting Burns High School. Estep is pictured with his granddaughters, McKiah Schroeder and Kaitlyn Ferry.

During the Burns Hilander football game against the Nyssa Bulldogs on Friday, Oct. 25, Francis Estep was honored for running chains at Burns High School football games, for almost 30 years.

The announcement went as follows:

“Ladies and gentleman, please join the Burns High School football team in honoring a special volunteer.

He has been voluntarily running the chains for the home football games for almost 30 years and tonight we honor him as this will be his last game participating on the sidelines.

This honoree graduated from Burns High in 1962 and has been giving back ever since by supporting many of our communities youth activities.

He often said he would run chains until he turned 80 and despite his wife and family suggesting he retire early, he has stayed true to his word. He turned 80 in May and has continued through this season.

To say thank you, the Burns Hilanders, along with your family and his, would like to present you with this football that has been signed by the entire 2024 BHS football team.

Presenting this gift on the Hilanders behalf is his granddaughters (who are also the Burns Hilander cheer coaches) Kaitlyn Ferry and McKiah Schroeder.

Please rise and honor Francis Estep.

We look forward to your continued support from the stands.”

Congratulations Francis and thank you for your years of volunteering.