All eyes were on Assistant Principal Leon Hammond as he returned triumphantly to McIntosh High School after his three-month absence due to a kidney transplant. His resilience and optimism impressed the twelfth-grader Caroline Bach- a student lucky enough to jump into a sudden huddle with him, caringly expressing her anxiety and joy for his return- shows how esteemed Hammond is at this beloved school. Highlighted by Channel 2 Action News last fall, Hammond courageously spoke out about his Stage 4 kidney disease and Willie Blackwell — an ex-NFL agent and transplant recipient himself — shared the importance of going public to find a donor. The school welcomed him back with a small organically organized celebration featuring kidney beans — perhaps in tribute to Andersen’s excellent trial — accompanied by matching ice cream generously offered by fellow Assistant Principle Nicole Guest.
Assistant Principal Leon Hammond is back on campus and was welcomed with open arms at McIntosh High School. His absence of three months due to a kidney transplant worried everyone, but the twelfth-grader Caroline Bach could not help but express her joy at his return: โAhh! Is he fragile? Should we bump him? I donโt know!โ Leon Hammond expressed surprise at his long absence, remarking that he had never been away from work for so long.
Willie Blackwell Encourages Hammond to Take His Need for a Donor Public
Last October, when he bravely declared that he was suffering from Stage 4 renal illness, Channel 2 Action News exposed Hammond to the world. Willie Blackwell, a transplant recipient who played linebacker for Morris Brown College and the NFL in the past, saw the significance of spreading the word about Hammond’s experience when he was presented with this challenging circumstance. As a result, Blackwell pushed Hammond to make his need for a donor known to the general public. Hammond appreciated the chance to tell his experience and observed that it was “spot on.”
The Return of Assistant Principal Hammond
The return of Assistant Principal Hammond to his beloved school was a cause for celebration. His positive attitude and warm presence make the school a better place, and he is affectionately referred to as a father figure by many of the students. Fellow Assistant Principal Nicole Guest organized an ice cream party in his honor, with plenty of kidney beans – a fitting tribute to his fantastic journey.
His commitment to McIntosh High is evidenced by his presence at next week’s graduation ceremony, and everyone looks forward to seeing him there.
Assistant Principal Leon Hammond has been welcomed back from his difficult reverse with open arms. He is quickly regaining his role as a mentor for many of the students at McIntosh High School due to his ability to inspire remarkably more than before. His courage and story have elevated him to joyous heights, which may have helped other people in similar situations to make a change. Let us all take a moment to remember and be thankful for individuals like Leon Hampton who face hardship but continue to courageously inspire others by making a difference.
