Going back to your old high school feels a little different when you’re the one standing in front of the students, sharing what you’ve learned since graduation.
For Attorney Edward Reyes, that moment came in November 2026 when he returned to Leto High School, where he graduated in 1998. He spent time with the school’s football team, talking about the challenges he faced growing up, the people who helped him along the way, and what it takes to work toward your goals.
He also had something else to share: a $1,000 sponsorship from The Reyes Firm to support the Leto Falcons football program as part of our #ReyesGivesBack initiative.
Back at Leto High School
Edward didn’t shy away from talking about his own high school experience.
He told the players he wasn’t always the best student. In fact, he joked about one teacher who once told him, “Eddie, if you stop talking, I’ll pass you.”
He also talked about becoming a father at a young age and how that experience changed the way he looked at life. It wasn’t easy, but it made him think more seriously about his future and the kind of life he wanted to build.
Growing up, Edward didn’t have many mentors to turn to. He eventually found encouragement through motivational speakers whose recordings helped him see things differently.
Today, Edward runs The Reyes Firm in Tampa. But he remembers what it was like to be a student trying to figure out what comes next.
That’s one reason talking with students means so much to him.
What Edward Shared With the Leto Falcons
Edward talked about football, but much of what he shared applied to life outside the sport, too.
Here are three things he encouraged the players to remember.
1. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
Edward reminded the players that they don’t have to figure everything out on their own.
Coaches, teachers, parents, and mentors can offer advice when things get tough. Sometimes, all it takes is asking someone who’s been through a similar situation.
“Never feel like you can’t ask for help,” he told the team.
He encouraged the players to learn from the people around them and find mentors who can help them grow.
2. Learn to Love the Process
One phrase Edward kept coming back to was “love the process.”
He compared working toward goals in life to getting better at football.
Nobody becomes a great player overnight. It takes practice, repetition, discipline, and a willingness to listen to your coaches.
The same goes for school, work, and anything else you want to accomplish.
Edward encouraged the students to focus on the work they’re putting in each day instead of getting caught up in how quickly they’re reaching their goals.
3. Take Big Goals One Step at a Time
Edward also encouraged the players to try new things and learn different skills, even if they haven’t figured out what they want to do after high school.
He shared an old saying about eating an elephant one bite at a time.
His point was simple. Big goals can feel overwhelming, but they become easier to tackle when you break them into smaller steps.
He reminded the players that they don’t need to have everything figured out right now. What matters is continuing to learn, trying new things, and being willing to step outside their comfort zones.
A $1,000 Sponsorship for the Leto Falcons
Near the end of his visit, Edward presented a $1,000 sponsorship check to the Leto Falcons football coach on behalf of The Reyes Firm.
The sponsorship was part of #ReyesGivesBack, our initiative to support local schools, families, and community organizations.
For Edward, it was especially meaningful to give back to the same school he attended years ago.
We were glad to support the football program and the work these players and coaches put in throughout the season.
Go Falcons!
Giving Back to the Tampa Community
Leto wasn’t the first local event we’ve had the chance to support, and we hope it won’t be the last.
Through #ReyesGivesBack, The Reyes Firm has supported food giveaways, back-to-school events, holiday programs, and other community activities around Tampa.
Edward also enjoys visiting schools and speaking with students because he knows how much the right advice at the right time can help.
During his talk at Leto, he shared that if even one student walks away with something that changes how they think about their future, that alone can make the visit worthwhile.
We hope the players took something useful from the conversation, just as we’re grateful for the chance to spend time with them.
You can see more of what we’ve been doing in the community on our Reyes Gives Back page.
Thank You, Leto Falcons!
A big thank you to Leto High School, the football coaches, and the players for welcoming Edward back.
It was great to see him return to the school where his own journey started and have the chance to encourage the next generation of Falcons.
We’re rooting for the team and wish the players all the best, both on and off the field.
If your school or community organization is planning an event or would like to invite Edward to speak, we’d love to hear from you.
The Reyes Firm
4730 N. Habana Ave., Suite 201
Tampa, FL 33614
Phone: 833-4 BAD DAY
Email: contactus@thereyesfirm.com
Website: thereyesfirm.com
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