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Thursday, 24 February 2011 17:59 |
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New York Sportsbeat Release (Photo: Courtesy of the Long Island Ducks) In early February, the Long Island Ducks spent an afternoon with Krista Cook and all of her schoolmates at East Islip Middle School in East Islip. Krista was the fourth of four winners in the TD Bank Take a Duck to Class Essay Contest. As part of her prize, she received an assembly for the entire eighth grade with Ducks mascot QuackerJack and All-Star Ray Navarrete.
Each contestant who participated in this event picked up an application from a local TD Bank location and wrote an essay on “Why my community is important to me”. Out of hundreds of essays received from all over the Island, only four contestants were selected to win a visit from a Ducks player and their mascot, QuackerJack. 
The visit started with Navarrete and QuackerJack greeting Krista, her classmates and her teacher, Ms. Franzese. Following an autograph session and some photo-ops in the classroom, it was time to head to the grade-wide assembly. As TD Bank & Ducks representatives were done congratulating Krista on her accomplishment, Long Island’s favorite mascot, QuackerJack, jumped out from behind the stage curtain to surprise all of the students leading to screaming cheer. As the students finally quieted down from their excitement, it was time for Navarrete to talk to the children about the importance of community and education in his life and career. “The TD Bank Take A Duck To Class Event is always something that is real special to me,” said the All-Star. “I always took my schooling very seriously and it’s a real nice honor to pass along my experiences and values to the children across Long Island.” Following Navarette’s address to the students, Vice President of Suburban New York Marketing, Eric Fishon, and Lisa Guariglia, Branch Manager of the newly opened West Islip TD Bank, presented Krista with a Visa gift card. Krista was overwhelmed with all the attention as the entire eighth grade gave her a huge round of applause for winning such a special day for the school and for the opportunity to share in a memorable experience. As an added surprise, Ms. Guariglia also brought gift bags for each of the students in Krista’s class courtesy of TD Bank. The Long Island Ducks are entering their 12th season of play in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. Opening Day is May 6. For season ticket or advertising information, visit www.liducks.com or call 631-940-DUCK. |
