CUMMING--Shane Dronett, defensive tackle for the Super Bowl-bound Atlanta Falcons, led a pep rally Jan. 19 for students, faculty, staff and parents at Pinecrest Academy.

Dronett, who has two daughters at Pinecrest, spoke to the crowd of over 350 and encouraged them to use their talents for God’s glory.

“God has given us all special talents,” he said. “It is up to us to recognize these as a gift from God and to use them as He intended.”

After his talk, Dronett led a contest to see which students, faculty and staff could dance the “Dirty Bird” best.

Arlene Gannon, dean of students, presented Dronett, his wife, Chris, and their daughters, Berkley and Hayley, each with a Miraculous Medal held by a red ribbon symbolizing the family’s unity with their family at Pinecrest.

“Each of our students will be wearing the same medal of Our Lady during the two weeks leading up to the Super Bowl,” she said. “We will be praying each day for you and the Falcons, so that you all perform your best for the glory of God.”

Gannon then led those in attendance in cheers and prayers for the Dronett family and the Falcons who will face the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XXXIII in Miami Jan. 31.

Pinecrest Academy is a private, independent Catholic school serving students in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade.

DANCING BIRD -- Shane Dronett, left, defensive tackle for the Super Bowl-bound Atlanta Falcons, leads students in the “Dirty Bird” during his Jan. 19 visit to Pinecrest Academy in Cumming where his two daughters are students.