One of Franco Harris' last public appearances was at North Allegheny's Ingomar Middle School

Just moments before Franco Harris’s surprise appearance to students at Ingomar Middle School on Dec. 12, as he walked toward the doors of the auditorium, he was warm, approachable and genuine with the few who were waiting in the lobby.

Harris was vibrant and enthusiastic. And it clearly generated with the hundreds of students and adults inside the auditorium as their cheers echoed through the walls.

A large part of his message that day was that you never know what the future holds, so do all you can and be your best. His words seem so poignant in the wake of his sudden death Dec. 21, just days shy of the 50th anniversary of his famed Immaculate Reception, considered by many the greatest play in the history of football.

Ingomar students signed a condolence card for the family and also sent a photo of Harris surrounded by dozens of enthusiastic kids and inscribed with the words, “Franco’s Army Will Forever Grow.”

“The Ingomar Middle School Community continues to express our support to the Harris family and hope the cards created by our students provide comfort seeing how much of an impact Franco had on our newest members of his Army!” said Principal Dave Deramo.

Harris came to the school to help celebrate the anniversary of his famed catch. His message to students:

“You can change things. You can make things happen. Don’t worry about your past. See what you can do in your future.”

“You may find that your true talent is somewhere else. Don’t limit yourself.”

“There’s so much to do and so much that needs to be done. You never give up. You always have hope.”

Deramo said that students and staff feel fortunate they had the chance to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Immaculate Reception with the man who made it happen.

“We are grateful that he was a part of the celebration with members of the past, present, and future generations of our great city, Deramo said.

“His dedication to serving the greater good within the community as well as his significant impact on the city of Pittsburgh will continue to live on through our students and all who have had the privilege to know him. Franco’s positive spirit and contributions to Steelers Nation will be a legacy that lives on forever! We extend our deepest condolences to the Harris family, especially to his wife, Dana.”