It has been sixteen years since the release of "Remember the Titans". This movie changed how I view racial issues today, because it is set only 45 years ago from today, at the period of school integration. It mixes humor and honesty to show the power of a team working together to win. In the process the team unites a town divided along racial and economical lines .The story is based off of real life events and characters who rose above the racial tensions in their community. Today it is clearly a classic, not just because it stars the fabulous Denzel Washington, but because we can still take lessons from it today.

1. Denzel Washington (Coach Boone) is the tough, no-nonsense, voice of reason coach we all need at some point in our lives.

2. They remind us of what happened when this nation was fighting against each other because of race.

3. Sheryl Yoast's (Hayden Pannetiere) character broke the female stereotype of girls who don't understand football at 9 years-old.

4. She also reminds us about the special bond between a father and a daughter.

4. They remind us that family means more than sharing the same blood.

5. We remember Ryan Gosling before "The Notebook".

6. They show us the impact of a good rally song/entrance dance.

7. Ryan Hurst who plays Gerry Bertier shows us not to give up after becoming paralyzed from the waist down.

8. He also reminds us that life is short, and can be taken away in an instant.

9. They remind us about the importance of leadership.

10. They remind us of the importance of a good locker room karaoke.

11. They remind us not to be scared by people who want you to fail.

12. They remind us to come together as one despite our differences.