McCarville And Stinson Help Throw A Class Party
May 16, 2006

Not many exciting events take place on a Tuesday afternoon, but for one third grade class at Elizabeth Traditional Elementary School, Tuesday turned into a memorable occasion as the Sting dropped by for a party.

Selected because of their efforts in a recent Science Bowl competition, the class had the opportunity to meet Sting forward Janel McCarville and community relations ambassador Andrea Stinson.

After a warm welcome from the students, Stinson and McCarville spent several minutes answering the students’ questions.

“We got to come in and interact with the kids,” remarked McCarville. “They asked us questions and every question was different -- they were all intriguing. They all had something to do with basketball, and the kids were really excited about learning.”

The question-and-answer session was a great time for the students to learn a little more about the WNBA and also gave the players some ideal teaching moments. The duo discussed with the students how making mistakes is part of basketball just like it’s a part of life. If you learn from your mistakes and try not to repeat them, you’re going to be okay. They also discussed with the kids how it’s okay to feel scared when you are facing new situations like moving into a new grade level or playing with a new team.

The discussion wasn’t all serious though, as Stinson and McCarville talked with the students about some of their favorite places to play as well as the feeling they get playing in front of a crowd.

“It’s exhilarating to play in front of thousands of people and know they’re cheering for you,” McCarville told the students.

Following the question-and-answer session, the students got another surprise as Sting mascot Buggsy and Gill Getwell from Presbyterian Hospital made a grand entrance.

Buggsy and Gill Getwell helped Stinson and McCarville pass out Sting orange and blue cupcakes, as well as Sting T-shirts to all the kids.

“I think the kids were wonderfully excited,” said Raymond Giovanni, the principal at Elizabeth Elementary. “It’s wonderful anytime a professional athlete is willing to give back to the community.”

Getting out in the community is something the players enjoy as well.

“It always puts a smile on my face to get out in the community and talk to the kids and let them know that we care,” said Stinson.