DeMoine Adams Brings “WE > me” Message to Westridge Middle School

“You win or lose by how you choose.” 

DeMoine Adams didn’t mince words when he shared to a packed gym of young teenagers at Westridge Middle School.  While the message was clear, there was plenty of fun to be had too with pump-up music, call and response prompts, and football hype. 

To launch the new academic year, the nearly 700 students (6th, 7th, & 8th Grade) gathered for an assembly to close out the first day of the 2026-27 school year.  The assembly featured former Nebraska Cornhusker and NFL standout DeMoine Adams. Bringing a message packed with actionable advice, Adams set the tone for a landmark year at Westridge focused on a collective vision: 

"WE > me" (We over me).  

The start of a school year brings a clean slate, but Westridge Middle School is looking to set the tone beyond a simple platitude. By introducing the "WE > me" theme, the school is setting an expectation for how students connect, support their peers, and build their Cougar community. 
 

“One of the things we're really focusing on in a lot of levels is working as a team.” Kayla Wichman, Westridge Principal, said. “Working together in the classroom and that anti-bullying piece. How can we stand up for each other so that everyone feels comfortable and safe here at Westridge?”

Adams emphasized that true success — whether in athletics, academics, or life — is never achieved in isolation and rarely is it about performance on the sports field. He reminded the Westridge Cougars that individuals every day is “game day” when they recognize their opportunity to contribute to something bigger, and to take ownership of their own decisions. 

As a former Blackshirt defensive end who won a Big 12 championship with the Huskers before playing in the NFL, Adams knows firsthand what it takes to perform at a high level. However, his message to the middle schoolers extended far beyond the football field.  In sharing his own stories of perseverance, Adams challenged the students to take personal responsibility for their daily choices and to see the bigger picture.   

For the nearly 700 Middle School students listening in, the message did more than set the tone for the year — it served as a friendly reminder that every day is a new opportunity to connect and build something special together. 

“Any day where you can be your best is game day.” Adams affirmed for the Cougars, “Any time you have an opportunity to bring your A-game and to do something to get you pumped up for a whole year and that’s winning, that’s game day.”

“WE > me” serves as a practical baseline for all Cougar students and staff for what is sure to be a meaningful school year.  Thanks, in part, to DeMoine Adams, the Westridge Middle Schoolers are ready to lead by example, support each teacher, and build something special. 

#BeHereBelong