Sunset welcomes Seahawks
December 1, 2008
By Chantelle Lusebrink
The Sea Gals and the Seahawks’ drumline, Blue Thunder, performed during the schoolwide assembly. By Chantelle Lusebrink.
Sunset Elementary School became Seahawks Headquarters Nov. 21 as Deion Branch — the team’s wide receiver — the Sea Gals, Blue Thunder and Blitz the Seahawk came by to host an assembly the students won’t soon forget.
The school received the assembly after two families, the Easterns and the Karls, bid on the speaking engagement at Branch’s foundation auction, which benefits children diagnosed with meningitis.
Branch started the foundation after his son Deiondre was diagnosed with meningitis at birth.
It was the first time the two families had been to the foundation auction.
“The kids are big Seahawks fans and it is a great foundation,” David Eastern said. “The combination is perfect.”
The couples’ children — Max and Isabelle Eastern and Amanda and Tyler Karl — all attend Sunset.
“We hope that it shows them that they can do anything,” Deena Eastern said. But before Branch could make his big appearance, Blitz, the team mascot, helped get the crowd ready to shout.
Picking out students who had come bearing rival NFL team names and colors, like the Saints or Patriots, Blitz helped show them the door of the auditorium while jokingly trying to get them to hand over their jerseys.
Next up, the Sea Gals, who performed with Blue Thunder, the Seahawks special drum line, which performs at games.
Students also got to show their 12th Man spirit in a yelling match that would rival the best at Qwest Field.
“Sunset Elementary is the loudest elementary in the country,” Branch told them. “I wish I could take all of you to the game with me.”
Students were able to ask Branch several questions about his life as a professional football player and he even offered some advice for Amanda Karl, who asked how he handled making mistakes on the field, like she does sometimes.
“I wish I was perfect, but I’m not,” Branch said. “You can only continue to strive to be perfect. When I make a mistake on the football field, or I drop the ball, all that I can do is try harder.”
Branch presented Principal Wayne Hamasaki with an official 12th Man flag for the school. He also signed a photo of himself and purchased a late afternoon snack of Pizza Hut pizza for every child at the school.
Reach Reporter Chantelle Lusebrink at 392-6434, ext. 241, or clusebrink@isspress.com.
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The Meningitis Foundation of America (MFA), a national organization, would like the public and media to know that information is available regarding the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of meningitis. MFA was founded by parents whose children were affected by meningitis. In addition to supporting vaccines and other means of preventing meningitis, the MFA provides information to educate the public and medical professionals so that the early diagnosis, treatment and, most important, prevention of meningitis, will save lives. Meningitis is a dangerous and sometimes fatal inflammation of the brain and/or spinal cord that can leave survivors with serious life-long physical problems such as deafness, brain damage and other disabilities, meningitis can sometimes result in loss of limbs. MFA would like to be considered as a news resource for the disease. For further information, visit the MFA website at http://www.musa.org.
MFA is proud to announce the new C.I.S.S. Container Identification Scratch System
When we participate in sporting events or mingle at social gatherings it is possible to lose track of our water bottles and/or beverage cans, especially those served in containers that are very similar or identical to a container from which you are drinking. This carries the risk of transmitting an illness, such as meningitis or the common cold or flu. The Container Identification Scratch System, or C.I.S.S., is a fun way to make sure you always know your drink from others. Use it at sporting events or at a family gatherings and reduce the waste from forgotten drinks. Simply scratch your number from the C.I.S.S. label and identify your drink. For more information please contact Bob Gold at Ciss.bob@gmail.com and http://www.musa.org
Thank you,
Meningitis Foundation of America
P O Box 83602
Phoenix, AZ 85071
480-270-2652
http://www.musa.org