Excellence Reigns in the Rain at 186th Street School’s Super Bowl School Spirit Day 2010

Excellence Reigns in the Rain at 186^th Street School’s

Super Bowl School Spirit Day 2010

On Friday, February 5, 2010, the boys and girls at 186th Street School had a great time interacting with Orlando Scandrick of the Dallas Cowboys and five UCLA Bruin football players.  The rain did not stop the magical moments for the students, parents, and staff members participating in the 5^th Annual Super Bowl School Spirit Day.  Ashley Armstrong and Ric Coy from the UCLA Athletic Department of Administration brought the Division I student athletes to interact with the elementary children.  The students welcomed their special guests with the 186^th Street cheer, song, code, and creed.  The echoes of scholars and champions set the tone for the day.  Principal, Marcia Reed, began the magical journey introducing their fabulous guests.  Mike Romero, the District 8 Director, encouraged the students to strive for excellence.  Ric Coy greeted the students and continued the theme of excellence as he allowed all of the players to introduce themselves and share their academic majors.  Then he led the elementary students in a high spirited big Bruin 8 Clap, “UCLA fight, fight, fight…”

Orlando Scandrick, an NFL player, saluted the Wise Owls and reminded them to always do their best.  He challenged the students to make the most of their elementary days because they will not be able to get them back.   Afterwards, the players formed an academic huddle and Senior Linebacker, Frank Guzman, called the academic play.  He told the children to come to school everyday ready to learn, respect their teachers, and always be good citizens.  Then Big Mike led all of the players in a countdown as they shouted, "Excellence!” A very special moment for the students was when they received a high five for excellence from each player.  Students from Loyola Marymount University and the Gardena High School Key Club assisted in running the inclement weather activities.  As the students exited the auditorium, they received an activity card and went to different classrooms to enjoy the fun, which included a football toss, dancing in the dance studio, fitness activities, and story time to read with an athlete. The athletes appeared to have just as much fun as the children.  Students, parents, and teachers wore their favorite jerseys and had a great time celebrating literacy and fitness for life. Every child in attendance received a free book to increase their pleasure reading materials at home.  Many children left with autographs on their shirts, shoes, arms, and school spirit cards.  The day was another great day in the life of the Wise Owl Nation.  We will treasure the memory of the day the Bruins and a Cowboy came to cheer the students on, despite the rain.

Players in attendance: 

Orlando Scandrick – Dallas Cowboys DB

UCLA Players:  Taylor Embree (Junior WR), Frank Guzman (RS Senior LB), Jeff Dickman (RS Sophomore CB), Mike Harris (RS Junior OT), and Lowell Rose (RS Sophomore CB)