Visit from popular Ravens star underscores importance of education

Ravens tight end Todd Heap visited classrooms and talked with students and staff alike about the importance of education.

It was, perhaps, the ultimate “show and tell.”

When fifth grader Anthony M. arrived for class at Elmwood Elementary School on December 5, he came riding in style – a black stretch Excursion SUV – and accompanied by one of professional football’s star players, tight end Todd Heap of the Baltimore Ravens.

Heap’s visit – first to Anthony’s home and then to Elmwood for the day – was part of the “Take a Player to School” contest, won by Anthony and sponsored by JC Penney and the National Football League. When the two arrived at school, the first stop was the child’s classroom, where the football player sat at a desk next to the child and spent plenty of time autographing items for the fifth-grade class.

But Heap was at Elmwood for a more serious purpose, too – to promote the importance of getting a good education! After his classroom visit, he and his young escort joined the entire school in a gymnasium decorated with a balloon arch provided by JC Penney.  Heap spoke to the children about the importance not only of what the students do in school, but also what they do with their time after school.  And, of course, he emphasized the importance healthy activities -- playing outside with friends and tossing a football around!

To welcome Ravens player Todd Heap to Elmwood, JC Penney donated a balloon arch and other decorations to festoon the school.

The Ravens star also spoke of his commitment of good health. Heap credits his family and the many fine teachers that he had in school with making sure he got a good education and valued the importance of a fit mind and body.  He answered many questions from students and then engaged in a football toss with one special class of fifth graders in the Elmwood gym.

Todd Heap ended his visit to Elmwood by making a special visit to the pre-k and kindergarten classes. What an exciting day for them and for everyone at school that day!  

Go Ravens!!

Go Elmwood!!

Story by Pat Quinn, a teacher and Good News Ambassador at Elmwood Elementary School, and Charles Herndon, communications specialist for BCPS. Photographs courtesy of Elmwood Elementary School.