Local lawyer gives Lincoln a lift

by Kerry Eggers
October 15, 2004, Portland Tribune

Every Friday afternoon, 50 to 60 Lincoln High varsity football players take the two-block walk to Jody Stahancyk’s law offices for a pre-game meal of macaroni and cheese, fruit and a cookie.

It’s a nice twist to what Stahancyk began at Grant a few years ago, when her son, Seth, played for the Generals.

Stahancyk has no children at Lincoln, but as a show of support for the area team, she organized a group of local businesspeople to sponsor the weekly meal.

“It’s important for businesses to support schools,” Stahancyk says. “My employees get a great deal of enjoyment from it. Everybody says they can’t believe we do it. Why not? It’s not that difficult. There are so many things people can do if they just think about it.” ...

The players and coaches also get a personalized party favor and bottle of water. The week the Cardinals faced Jefferson, they received a tin can filled with candy that read “Can the Democrats.”

“The kids are well-mannered and respectful,” Stahancyk says. “We try to make it fun, and they seem to enjoy it.”

Dory Ogilvie Young, Lincoln High graduate of 1937, sang the school fight song one week.

“The boys gave her a standing ovation,” Stahancyk says. “She’s getting the words to the song for them. Nobody at Lincoln knows it anymore.”

Coach Bill Griffin is appreciative.

“What the kids receive from Jody and the other contributors is far beyond what most programs receive from the business community,” Griffin says. “It’s unique and very appreciated by the boys.”

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