During lunch recess, the Betsy Ross Elementary School playground was transformed into two street hockey rinks as the Ducks Hockey Development CREW (Community, Recreation, and Educational Workforce) gave students the opportunity to play street hockey. The school also participates in the Ducks SCORE street hockey program, which allows Roadrunner’s fourth grade students to develop their skills.
“Everything was phenomenal and they were beside themselves,” said fourth-grade teacher Sandra Gonzalez. “I’m so grateful the Ducks were able to do this. Events like this make students feel seen and heard.
The festivities culminated with an afternoon assembly, where fourth through sixth graders gathered while Anaheim Ducks players Sam Carrick and Ryan Strome read to the students. Wild Wing warmed up the energetic crowd as Ducks TV announcer John Ahlers welcomed the Ducks to the stage to read “Brady Brady and the B Team,” a hockey-themed children’s book about the importance of balance studies. and athletics.
Carrick and Strome spoke about their own love of literacy and their commitment to reading to their young children. The two then answered several questions from students on topics ranging from their favorite moment as a Duck to how to regain confidence in school and sports. The concepts of reliability, perseverance and never giving up were at the forefront.
“Education comes first…it was important in my family,” Carrick said. “I think it teaches you a lot of life lessons…and, as you get older, a lot of things about hard work and what it takes to get where you want to go. This program is awesome. Reading is obviously very important, and we do it every day. So everyone should be a good reader.
Betsy Ross sixth-grader Enrique appreciated Carrick, Strome and the entire Ducks organization for choosing his school for Reading is the Goal Day.
“I’m grateful,” the 11-year-old said. “It’s so nice of them to come to our school. Out of all the schools, they chose this one because we worked hard. And hard work means that something good comes to you if you do something good.
Enrique’s classmate Alexis, 11, is a longtime Ducks fan and was excited to have his favorite hockey team come visit his school. “I was so happy because I love the Ducks and I watch them all the time,” Alexis said. “I’m very grateful that they were able to take some of their time to come see us.”
