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Adams Drops in on Mark Twain Elementary

After helping students pick out a book then handing them a wristband and bookmark, Thunder center Steven Adams decided to encourage more than just reading at Mark Twain Elementary.

On Wednesday inside the Rolling Thunder Book Bus, presented by American Fidelity, Adams didn’t just dole out lessons on the importance of education, but also on manners and the critical nature of learning those habits at a young age. He prompted each student to say “thank you” as they walked off the bus, proudly displaying their new book to Mark Twain Elementary’s Principal, Sandy Phillips.

As one young girl stepped down the stairs, Adams asked, “What do you say?” in hopes of eliciting a “thank you” for her teachers and administrators for hosting the book bus. Instead, the young girl immediately turned and gave Adams another two word exclamation. “Go Thunder!” she shouted, which sufficed as the right answer to Adams’ question as all the burly Thunder center could do was laugh. A gregarious personality, Adams quickly connected with the students and ensured that they all left with a smile to go with their book.

“He was very funny,” Phillips said. “He was rocking the bus, he was honking the horn and talking to them and playing with them.”

It wasn’t just the children who showed their appreciation for Adams’ visit. Phillips herself was the first one from the school to enter the Book Bus, nearly losing it upon seeing Adams sitting in the driver’s seat. Without hesitation Phillips gave Adams a huge hug, showing him just how much his visit means to the school and how much he means to the Oklahoma City community.

“It always surprises me,” Adams said. “I like hugs, so getting random hugs like that is pretty cool and fun.”

While Mark Twain Elementary certainly showed their affection for the Thunder on Wednesday, the afternoon was all about what the team and organization could do to help the students. With the presence of the Book Bus on campus, each student had a chance to receive a free book, something they might not have at home. An opportunity to spark the imagination and find a fun way to improve literacy amongst Oklahoma children is not taken for granted in the slightest.

“A lot of times our kids do not have books,” Phillips said. “So to be able to put a book in their hand that they can read is wonderful and it helps them to be successful in school.”

“This book bus is amazing,” Adams said. “It’s awesome”

On top of physically receiving a book, Phillips’ students also got to witness a great role model to look up to. Having a Thunder player who graduated high school and attended college like Adams at the school reinforces the lessons teachers give to their students on a regular basis. A visit and positive word from Adams can be integral to the continued motivation of students to strive higher.

“We can show children that successful people like the Thunder players who have graduated and been through school,” Phillips said. “Then they come out and encourage kids and it puts a spark in their eye that they can do this. They work a little harder.”