GRAVETTE — “Johnny! Johnny! Johnny!” That word rang through the parking lot at the Gravette gymnasium as Johnny Teis was wheeled toward the building Saturday afternoon. And the crescendo was even greater when hundreds of adults and children of all ages rose to their feet as the young man was wheeled onto the basketball court.

The demonstration was repeated several times during a program of tributes and support for the second grader and his family.

Johnny is an 8-year-old second-grade student at Glenn Duffy Elementary School. He suffers from an inoperable brain tumor which was discovered a few months after the family moved to the area from Michigan. His father, RobTeis, works for Walmart, which several days ago sponsored Johnny’s “Make a Wish” trip to Disney World.

Johnny’s bravery and that of his family inspired the slogan “Johnny the Brave” which culminated in the tribute Saturday, organized by Hope Duke.

Principal Zane Vanderpool was emcee for the program on “Johnny The Brave Day,” as proclaimed and presented by Gravette Mayor Byron Warren. Tributes from Senator Mark Pryor, Governor Mike Beebe, and the State Senate were presented by Senator Kim Hendren. State Senator Cecile Bledsoe also spoke briefly.

“Johnny Cheers” were led by the GHS cheerleaders. And the Teis family - Rob and Amanda and their children, Robbie, Kendrick, Abby, Emmy and Johnny - were introduced.

Following a prayer by Dave Meehan, students from the U of A Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Arkansas Tech cheerleader Jamie Frey (a GHS alumni) and his friend all made presentations.

Kyle Trembly, a GHS alumni and Robbie’s fifth-grade basketball coach, and his team unfurled a banner and presented Robbie a basketball recognizing him as a biggest booster of his little brother Johnny.

Rob Teis spoke briefly, expressing his thanks for the outpouring of support from the school, community and area for the family and for Johnny. His words were filled with an inspiring faith and love as his wife, Amanda, and their children sat nearby.

Jonathon Watson, pastor of the Bella Vista Assembly of God Church, closed the program with a benediction.

Hope Duke reported that more than $17,000was raised for the family through the activities Saturday and by the Ozarks Community Hospital. Other area basketball teams - particularly Huntsville and West Fork - and individuals and businesses all contributed to the success of the event.

Johnny’s favorite color is green and hundreds of green “Johnny’s Team” T-shirts filled the gymnasium, which was also plastered with posters made by classmates. A booth was available for people to write messages to Johnny, and the gym lobby contained dozens of prizes donated by businesses and individuals. They were awarded to supporters later in the afternoon.

Johnny the Brave Day was a true showing of support and love, a tribute to a brave young man and his family and for their true example of deep faith and courage.

School News, Pages 8 on 02/02/2011