Lower Schoolers had a ball on March 22 when Nutzy, the Richmond Flying Squirrels mascot, surprised them on campus! Onstage in the Lora M. Robins Theatre, Nutzy and his friend Megan Angstadt, director of community outreach & special events for the Flying Squirrels, shared their love of baseball and reading. (You might say they covered all the bases.) Each young Spartan received a special team bookmark, which they were encouraged to “squirrel away” in a treasured book.

As Ms. Angstadt read a fun story to the students, Nutzy acted out the tale, and both encouraged our young Spartans to participate in Go Nuts for Reading, a page-turner of a challenge. Each student who completes the challenge by reading eight books in the coming weeks will receive one free ticket to the April 13 Flying Squirrels game. The game will be extra special, as Steward fifth graders have been invited to sing the National Anthem. (Talk about a home run!)

Director of Lower School Becky Groves said that the reading challenge is a novel way for students to step up to the plate and set goals.

“Reading opens up new worlds for our Lower Schoolers, giving them endless opportunities to learn, imagine, and explore,” she said. “The reading challenge is a delightful way for them to stretch themselves a bit. We can’t wait to cheer on the Richmond Flying Squirrels and celebrate our students’ achievements.”