Miam Dolphins quarterback and Fort Osage Alumni Skylar Thompson returned to Buckner Elementary on March 9 and talked to young students about goal setting. He took time to sign autographs, pose for photos and revisit the school he attended as an elementary student.

Thompson got to play in his first ever National Football League playoff game against the Buffalo Bills this past season because starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and backup quarterback Teddy Bridgewater both were injured. In a close game, the Dolphins ultimately came up short 31-34. Thompson believes his high school football experience helped him prepare for that game. 

“Everything that I’ve experienced through football prepared me for that moment this year,” Thompson said. “Little do people know I played in big games before, starting here in high school.” 

Thomson spoke to the Buckner students about overcoming challenges and following your dreams. First grader Sean Fall took a very important message away from Thompson’s main message at the assembly. 

“If you have a dream then keep chasing it,” Fall said.

After the assembly Thompson sent every student home with a signed photo of him playing in a Dolphins game. Buckner Elementary student Addy Isenbartch thinks meeting Thomson was an amazing experience. 

“It felt cool because once I saw my dad in the living room watching the Miami Dolphins and cheering him on,” Isenbartch said. 

Thompson will return back to the Dolphins this upcoming season. He plans on coming back to his hometown in the future and give back to the community that helped shape his life.