Arizona Cardinals Visit Rancho Gabriela

The students at Rancho Gabriela Elementary School got a very special visit from the Arizona Cardinals Milk and Cookies Program this week. Big Red, the mascot, got the students energized and ready for reading. Big Red was joined by Cardinals cornerback Jace Whittaker and cheerleaders Caity and Zaryn who read a selection of books to students. 

The students were nominated by their classroom teacher to attend the special assembly for Character Counts. Cardinals themed student artwork adorned the walls of the library and the students made special posters and thank you cards to show their appreciation.  The students learned about Cardinals history, played a fun game of Heads Up with Cardinals trivia, and enjoyed three different fall themed books by the group.  After the reading, students enjoyed a yummy snack of milk and cookies, received an Arizona Cardinals backpack, and took part in a meet and greet complete with signings.

The Cardinals, SRP, and Albertsons-Safeway have teamed up for 20 years for the Milk and Cookies program, which supports and promotes literacy throughout Valley elementary schools.