May 15, 2008

The fourth-grade students at Schaumburg Elementary in New Orleans East knew there would be surprise guests attending their Thursday school assembly. They just didn’t know exactly who they would be.

“Reggie Bush?” guessed one of the youngsters, when asked who he thought would stop by. “Chris Paul?” guessed another – but CP3 was busy in San Antonio, preparing for Game 6. “Shaq?” asked a third child.

A few minutes later, the group of about 80 youngsters cheered and screamed in delight when they saw Hugo the Hornet and a pair of Honeybees dance team members enter the school cafeteria. The trio was visiting the Grant Street school on Thursday to host a “How to Get Fit & Stay Fit” session for the enthusiastic kids, in conjunction with Xavier University faculty.

Hugo and Honeybees members Angelle and Christina explained the benefits of nutrition and fitness to the kids, then participated in several exercises, including jumping jacks and push-ups. After opening up the session to questions, one 10-year-old made everyone laugh by asking Angelle and Christina: “Are you the real Honeybees?” Yes young man, they’re legit.

After participating in the fitness event, each child was given Hornets thunderstix, teal Hugo the Hornet wristbands and Southwest Division champions cheer cards. The event closed with a group picture. As they posed for the photo, instead of saying “Cheese,” Angelle asked the kids to repeat what you hear repeatedly during home games at the New Orleans Arena these days. The children responded with a loud “Woooooooo!”