For one day, the library at Pulaski Middle School was turned into a coffeehouse. Or, at least, a hot-chocolate house.
The guest speaker Tuesday morning was Packers rookie defensive end Aaron Kampman, who rocked in his chair as he read a few short stories to students spread out across the floor in front of him.
One of the stories offered a message dear to Kampman's heart.
It told of President Abraham Lincoln listening to an impassioned Sunday sermon, only to walk away unfulfilled because the sermon hadn't asked anything of the congregation.
After reading the tale, Kampman talked with the young students about goals, both short- and long-term, and working to meet those goals.
With the Thanksgiving break approaching, he challenged the students to spend some time thinking about what they wanted to achieve in life. He also suggested that they write their goals down on paper, to serve as a constant reminder.
Kampman himself is an example that even the loftiest goals can come true with hard work and dedication. The University of Iowa graduate grew up in Kesley, Iowa, a small town of approximately 80 people.
Kampman was a fifth-round selection by the Packers in the 2002 NFL Draft.
When asked by a student, Kampman said if he weren't in the NFL, he would be a teacher.
With only four days remaining until his 23rd birthday, students sang to Kampman and enjoyed cake in celebration after the reading.
