Felton Hosts Class Party

Tuesday, March 7 was a busy day for the students in Mrs. Reeves’ fourth grade class at Nations Ford Elementary School. After spending the morning taking the state-required writing test, the students received a special treat when Bobcats guard Raymond Felton and mascot Rufus Lynx dropped by for a visit. The visit was one of the prizes given away during the Charlotte Bobcats Arena Grand Opening Weekend.

“I remember being in these seats,” said Felton as he walked into the classroom, sat down in a chair and began talking with the students. “I remember paying attention, listening to my teachers and doing my homework. You always have to believe in yourself and you can be whatever you want to be in life.”

Felton also took the time to allow each student to ask him a question.

“When did you first start playing basketball?” asked one student.

“Were you ever in a dunk contest, and did you win?” was another.

Age two and yes were Felton’s answers.

While many of the questions focused on basketball, there were also questions relating to school as Felton talked to the kids about getting good grades and some of his favorite subjects.

“He did an excellent job,” said Mrs. Reeves. “He has a great repertoire with the kids. He was on their level for one thing and second, education is first to him. He emphasized that he was an honor roll student and that in order to play basketball, he had to be on the honor roll. I think that means a lot to the students to know that and to have role models who did well themselves in school.”

Making an impression is something that Felton tries to do whenever he is out in the community visiting with kids.

“I tell them to always believe. Listen to your teachers, listen to your parents,” he explained. “I see a lot of disrespect from kids today that I didn’t see when I was growing up. I just try to tell them to not disrespect your parents, don’t disrespect your elders, just listen to what they say because they’re not going to lead you in the wrong direction.”

Even though Felton delivered an important message, he also was at the school to have a good time with the kids.

After answering all the students’ questions, Felton welcomed Rufus Lynx into the classroom where together, they handed out cupcakes decorated like basketballs and Bobcats goody bags.

“I was happy that he came,” said Rasheem Lemon, one of the students. “This was my first time seeing him in person. We got a water bottle, a T-shirt, a pencil, pen and a bobble head.”

“It was great,” remarked Mrs. Reeves. “This is the perfect class. This is my last year teaching and I’m just so excited that they had this honor and privilege today of meeting everybody and getting to see a Bobcats player in person. We took our writing test today and this just topped it off.”

“It means a lot to me to give back to the community,” said Felton as he wrapped up the visit with a class picture. “Just to make them smile, laugh and just enjoy themselves, that’s the biggest thing.”