That is my son, Markos Black, kneeling beside his helmet before the game. The field is still coming to life around him. It is a quiet moment, the kind you might miss if you are already thinking about kickoff.
Before the first play
There is room for Markos to pause. For the crowd to recognize those who served. For the band to be heard. Families and neighbors come to watch football, but they also come to show up for one another.
To me, that is what small-town values look like when they are lived instead of printed on a sign. They do not depend on the score. They show in ordinary choices: taking a moment, paying respect, and making sure the people contributing to the night are seen.
If you want to follow the students and school beyond game night, Marceline R-V Schools is the place to start.
The same care, across town
As the owner of Black Insurance Group, LLC, I want that same care to carry into everyday conversations. Insurance cannot replace a community. It can help you prepare for the unexpected, and it should come with someone who takes time to explain your options. Whether your question is about home or auto coverage, you deserve a real conversation—not a rushed answer.
I am proud that our agency calls Marceline home. To Markos and his teammates, the band, the veterans, and everyone who shows up for them: thank you for giving me another reason to appreciate this town.
