The entire East Hartford Middle School student body loaded onto coach buses, rode to Hartford, and filled the stands at the XL Center for the UConn Women’s Basketball game versus Seton Hall on December 21. EHMS Principal Anthony Menard said it’s the first time the entire school went on a field trip together.
“It’s really awesome because we get to come here, watch the game, and we get to watch one of the middle school’s old students play, which is really cool too,” said Sienna McKennie, 6th grade student at EHMS.
This specific basketball game was extra special for East Hartford as our alumna Shailyn Pinkney, who helped lead the EHHS Girls Basketball Team to the state championship last year, now plays for Seton Hall.
“It means a great deal to our school to take this trip together,” said Principal Menard. “It’s good for kids to see student athletes who are succeeding, but even better for us to have a former student, who walked these halls, was once their age, went on to high school and now college to be a student athlete and more importantly to be a really good person. It’s a good example for our kids of what they can become.”
All students needed to attend the field trip was a signed permission slip. UConn covered all transportation costs, tickets, and lunch for the 800+ students.
“It’s fun because I play basketball and it will be interesting to see professionals play basketball. That’s what I could be doing later on in the future,” said Ciara Williams, 8th grade student at EHMS.
The trip was made possible thanks to an existing partnership with UConn through the Goal Line program. This afterschool program brings UConn athletes to EHMS to help guide students through lessons, activities, and mentorship. Students learn about positive decision making, teamwork, and the importance of education. Pinkney was once a Goal Line student herself.
“I love it because I get to see a bunch of my friends after school who I don’t normally see and we’re learning about some really cool stuff,” said Mikey Adamcewicz, 7th grade student at EHMS.
8th grader Sarah Knight said, “They talk to us about the career path they do and then they have a bunch of activities and set goals with us.”
Initial talks about the field trip centered on possibly bringing the Goal Line students to the game. But after conversations with Shannon Russell, Brendan Boyd, and other staff members at the middle school, UConn’s Husky Advantage Center for Athletic Leadership & Enrichment and the Athletics Marketing Team decided to invite the whole school.
“It’s incredible. UConn really opened the gates for us,” said Menard.
As the students watched UConn score a victory, the field trip was a win for everyone involved.