Ducks wrap up TD Bank “Take a Ducks to Class” visits
(West Babylon, N.Y., Jan. 22, 2016) – On Friday, the Long Island Ducks made their final visit of the season as part of this year’s TD Bank “Take a Duck to Class” essay contest. Fifth grader Ayse Yildize at Santapogue Elementary School was honored for being one of four winners with her essay on “Who is a hero in your community and why?”
CLICK HERE to view a Facebook photo album from the event
The visit began with an assembly for both the fourth and fifth grade classes. The school’s principal addressed the students and congratulated Ayse on her wonderful work. Ayse read her essay to those in attendance and received a loud ovation for a job well done. She was then awarded with a $50 Visa gift card by TD Bank West Babylon Store Manager Cara Baldo.
After the presentation, QuackerJack was greeted by a big cheer from the students. The lovable mascot joined Ayse as they listened to her hero, Mrs. Christine Manzi, speak to the kids. Mrs. Manzi is a fourth grade teacher at Santapogue Elementary School and also a Volunteer Firefighter in West Babylon. Following an emotional ‘thank you’, a question and answer session was held for Ayse, Mrs. Manzi and QJ.
Following the assembly, Ayse’s class received an exclusive autograph and photo session with QuackerJack in her classroom. While there, each student was lucky enough to receive a gift bag full of goodies, courtesy of TD Bank.
TD Bank “Take a Duck to Class” essay 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?” Four lucky winners were selected from an entry pool that included a record number of essays. Each winner received an hour-long visit to their school from QuackerJack and the Ducks as well as a Visa gift card from TD Bank. The Ducks and TD Bank would like to thank the thousands of students who submitted essays across Long Island and would once again like to congratulate the four winners of this year’s contest:
Samantha Rivera – Third Grade – North Coleman Road Elementary School (Centereach, N.Y.)
Sean Napoli – Sixth Grade – Jonas E. Salk Middle School (Levittown, N.Y.)
Kevin Mauri – Fourth Grade – Bayview Elementary School (West Islip, N.Y.)
Ayse Yildiz – Fifth Grade – Santapogue Elementary School (West Babylon, N.Y.)
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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