Yesterday was a very special afternoon for the students of Primrose School of Noblesville, as one of their own was recognized by the Pacers for his outstanding work in the Indiana Pacers School Fundraising Program.
The initiative encourages students to get out in their community and sell Pacers tickets at a discounted price, with the proceeds going back to the school, or in the case of Primrose, to charity. Six-year-old Noah Campbell sold the most tickets of any student in the state, 101 to be exact.
For his efforts, Noah and his approximately 30 classmates were paid a surprise visit by Pacers center Rakeem Christmas.
"It's huge," Primrose Director Marci Stephenson said of Christmas' effect on the students. "It's exciting not just for the students but for us as adults. It's exciting to see Pacers players out in the community being able to give back and give their time."
The children, especially Noah, were ecstatic to see Christmas walk through the door, and just like the holiday he shares a name with, he came bearing gifts.
Noah received a copy of NBA 2K17 signed by the player who graces its cover, Paul George, a brand new Xbox One, assorted Pacers hats, a basketball and a jersey. He then posed for pictures, got everything autographed and even took on Christmas in a friendly game of P-I-G on the classroom basket, which, with home court advantage on his side, he won.
Noah's father Marc was in attendance, and he and the rest of Noah's family helped Noah's cause to benefit the youngster's learning and development.
"It's an opportunity I never had when I was young," Campbell said. "Whenever they started the program here at Primrose, I wanted to make sure he got to experience something I didn't get to."
And according to Stephenson, Noah deserved the recognition he received. Primrose has taken part in the program for the last three years, and every year, he's taken it seriously.
"Noah's been our top seller every year. He's always worked really hard for that, and is always excited about that."
In addition to spending time with Noah, Christmas took questions from the other students, signed autographs, and most importantly, addressed them about the benefits of staying in school.
"It's very important," Christmas said of getting an education. "Education can take you far. That degree is an important thing to have."
Overall, Christmas was happy to get to recognize Noah, as well as share a positive message with the children.
"I like surprising kids," he said. "I'm just happy to be here to put a smile on their face. It's always important to give back to the community and help them keep on track and tell them school is important."
And the visit is sure to have a lasting impact on Noah and his classmates.
"I'm sure he will remember it for a long time," Campbell said. "He'll enjoy it for years to come."