South Surprises Indian Springs Elementary with $1,000 Check and Pep Rally
Posted on September 17, 2025 by Kerry Cohen
As part of the annual Sun Belt Conference Extra Yard for Teachers Week, the University of South Alabama's College of Education and Professional Studies partnered with South Alabama Athletics to surprise Mobile County Public Schools' Indian Springs Elementary with a $1,000 check and a Big Reveal pep rally.
The school gym buzzed with excitement as 265 elementary students and their teachers were surprised by a pep rally featuring the Jaguar Pep Band, football team, cheerleaders and mascot SouthPaw. Led by SouthPaw and several members of the South Alabama football team, students and staff waved shakers and high-fived as they anticipated the big surprise.
The big moment arrived when Dr. Angela Barlow, dean of the College of Education and Professional Studies, presented Principal Jameson Branch with a $1,000 check. Additionally, Speech Therapist Kaliyah Benning was surprised with a $100 check from DonorsChoose.org.
“Partnering with our community's educators is at the heart of our mission,” Barlow said. “Extra Yard for Teachers Week is a powerful way for us to show our appreciation for the tireless work of educators such as Ms. Benning and leaders such as Principal Branch, who are truly leading today and impacting tomorrow.”
South Alabama Athletics is proud to partner with College Football Playoff and the Sun Belt Conference to help bring more appreciation and resources to the teachers in the Gulf Coast region. “Great teachers change lives,” said Cori Scherbring, assistant athletic director for fan engagement. “We are so thrilled to be able to give back a little bit to help make them more successful in the classroom!”
The College of Education and Professional Studies also donated school supplies from the school's wish list, including composition notebooks, binders and other essential items for teachers and students, along with Jaguar swag to share with students.
Branch expressed gratitude for the unexpected honor. “It feels great to feel the support and for our students to be able to see community members taking an interest in their education. We'll be able to use those funds to do some of those really creative projects that our teachers want to be able to do but don't always have the funding to be able to do it."
The celebration of local educators will continue on Saturday, Sept. 20, during the Jaguars' football game against Coastal Carolina. Educators can purchase discounted tickets and enjoy a free tailgate party hosted by the College of Education and Professional Studies and its partners, starting two hours before kickoff scheduled for 6 p.m.
As part of the festivities, South Alabama Athletics and the Sun Belt Conference are fulfilling teacher wish lists with over $7,500 in classroom supplies. One educator will receive a $1,000 wish list fulfillment, while five others will each receive a $500 fulfillment during the game. An additional 20 educators will be awarded a $200 fulfillment the following week. Teachers can register for the drawing at the tailgate or inside the stadium, and 250 bags will be given to educators at the fan engagement tables. Details at SouthAlabama.edu/ExtraYardForTeachers.