Arizona Football Players Bring Holiday Cheer to Local First Grade Classroom
by Andy Morales on Dec. 17, 2009, under SportsArizona Football Players Bring Holiday Cheer to Local First Grade Classroom
Teacher Sandra Bigelow (left) and Nick Foles with a Student and a Mom (not related)
As part of a program developed by Dr. Alex Nava, University of Arizona students have been volunteering in Sandra Bigelow’s first grade classroom at Rio Vista Elementary School for several years.
Bigelow says that at least 20 students have helped her out this year. A few of those students have been athletes at Arizona.
Thursday was the last day of school for the fall semester in Amphitheater and five football players took time to volunteer and help out with holiday activities.
Quarterback Nick Foles, kicker Alex Zendejas, long snapper Ricky Wolder, receiver David Roberts and offensive lineman Conan Amituanai were on hand to help students wrap presents for parents, sign autographs and lead recess activities.
Their presence also provides for positive role models for the low-income school and exposes young
Alex Zendejas Signs an Autograph
students to the reality that a college education is something to strive for. Rio Vista is part of the “No Excuses University Network.” It is a comprehensive model that promotes college readiness to all students from the first day they enter a classroom.
As part of the successful program, each classroom at Rio Vista has adopted a university and the students learn about their adopted college and study the majors they offer, their mascots and their school fight songs. Universities participate by donating banners, posters and materials to be displayed.
NOTES:
Ricky Wolder has been a regular at Rio Vista and has actually donated school supplies to the classroom. The senior plans on studying Judaism in Israel after graduation.
Moms, aunts and other teachers made it a point to visit with the student volunteers and wished them luck in the Holiday Bowl against Nebraska.
Ricky Wolder Lends a Hand
Sandra Bigelow is a Rodel Exemplary Teacher Finalist.
It’s important to note that I teach at Rio Vista also. My gymnasium has been adopted by the University of Maryland.
You can read about the network here: http://turnaroundschools.com/neu-network/
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