Nicole Pottgen enjoys day of fun at school with the Flock

(Patchogue, N.Y., Jan. 30, 2015) – On Friday afternoon, the Long Island Ducks continued their annual TD Bank “Take a Duck to Class” essay contest visits by heading to Canaan Elementary School. Fifth grader Nicole Pottgen was surprised by the Ducks with an hour-long visit after submitting a winning essay about “Who is a hero in your community and why?”

CLICK HERE to view a Facebook photo album from the event

The afternoon started with an assembly in the gymnasium for the entire fifth grade class. Members of the Ducks revealed that Nicole had written the winning essay, and both she and her classmates were filled with excitement. Nicole read her essay to the all in attendance and was then presented with a $50 Visa gift card by TD Bank Vice President of U.S. Field Marketing Eric Fishon.

Long Island’s favorite mascot, QuackerJack, was then greeted by the students with a loud ovation, and the children were able to ask QJ a variety of questions. Finally, North Patchogue Fire Department Chief Dan Doscher then spoke to the students about fire safety and was joined by 10 fellow firemen, as they were chosen as Nicole’s heroes in her community.

Following the assembly, picture taking and an interview with News 12, Nicole and her classmates received an exclusive visit to their classroom from QuackerJack and TD Bank. Everybody received a gift bag full of goodies, courtesy of TD Bank and the Ducks, posed for photos and had the chance to get autographs from QJ.

Contestants were able fill out applications available at LIDucks.com this fall and submit an essay of 250 words or less on “Who is a hero in your community and why?” Out of a record number of essays received from all over Long Island, four lucky winners were selected. Each one will receive an hour-long visit to their school from Long Island’s most popular mascot, QuackerJack, along with a Visa gift card from TD Bank.

Here are the remaining winners in this year’s TD Bank “Take a Duck to Class” essay contest and when the Ducks will be visiting their school:

Nicholas Illare – East Islip Middle School (East Islip, N.Y.) – Friday, February 6 (9:00 a.m.)
Amy Whitman – Edna Louise Spear Elementary School (Port Jefferson, N.Y.) – Date TBD

The Long Island Ducks are members of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball and play their home games at Bethpage Ballpark. For further information, call (631) 940-DUCK or visit www.liducks.com.

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