Former Vice President Mike Pence visited Atlantic last Friday to do the coin toss at the football game against Perry. Followed by his wife and his team, he flipped the coin tails-up, giving the Trojans the first kick. 

“There’s nothing like Friday night lights,” Pence said regarding the game. “I grew up in a small town just like this one, and when we heard there was an opportunity for a great game on a Friday night, we jumped at the chance.” The former VP also said, “We wouldn’t have missed it for the world.” 

One of Pence’s wishes in life is to get to know the people of the United States better. “We’re well-known, but I don’t think we’re known well. People may know Vice President and Mrs. Pence, but I don’t think people know Mike and Karen.” Karen, Pence’s Wife, said, “It’s so inspiring always for us to meet young people in the next generation. You guys are the leaders of tomorrow.” 

Atlantic High School principal Mrs. McKay commented on the visit, “I think it makes the U.S. government [into a] more real-world application.” She said that the students “got to see a former vice president in person instead of just on TV. Some people got to meet him directly– shake his hand.” McKay did express concern for safety but was proud of how the students behaved. “I always pray we can be respectful even when we disagree, and I think that happened.” McKay was grateful for the opportunity presented to AHS Journalists by the visit, “because as a former journalism teacher that made me so happy for them to be next to professionals.” 

Pence set off from the game after halftime and left a message for the students of Atlantic High School. “This is the greatest nation on Earth, and when we have the right leadership, [we’re] going to be standing tall in the world again, and I feel very confident in the future.” He said that “help is on the way.”

K. Pence said, “In America, we still believe you can be anybody.”