Mighty Hawks shine at Kernels game

The Lucas Elementary Mighty Hawks were well represented at the Cedar Rapids Kernels baseball game this past Sunday, when Lucas Dads Engaged in Engineering Dreams (DEED) sponsored Lucas Day at Veterans Memorial Stadium. An estimated 20 Lucas families, as well as teachers and staff, watched as the Kernels handily defeated the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, 10-2.

Mary Olesberg welcomes everyone to the game.

Abby Pradarelli throws the first pitch.

But the real action took place before the game and between innings, when Lucas students and parents were invited to help with special activities. Abby Pradarelli threw out the first pitch; Mary Olesberg welcomed everyone to the game on the stadium sound system; Michelle Buell was invited to yell "play ball" to start the game; Lucas dad and DEED member Joe Pavelich won a geography quiz -- and an enormous bag of popcorn; and DEED leader Joe Bell, who organized Sunday's outing, went on the radio to talk up Lucas and the dads group. Additionally, some Lucas students, parents and teachers carried a large flag to center field for the singing of the National Anthem while nine Lucas students who made up the day's "Dream Team"  took positions on the field next to Kernels players during the song. Dream Team members included Kiera Bell, Maisie Snyder, Noah Pavelich, Jamie Dykes, Doug Everleigh, Will Everleigh, Zachary Fields, Kylea Greve and Kate Goodvin. (Thanks, too, to Jon Olesberg for the great photos!)

Thanks to all the Mighty Hawks who attended the game and showed the world what great school spirit looks like, and to DEED for organizing the event!

Lucas students, parents and staff carry the Stars & Stripes to the field for the National Anthem.