For the past several years, Aberdeen High School athletes have been making a difference in the lives of younger students through regular visits to local elementary schools. The community engagement initiative, which takes place on HCPS early dismissal days, brings high school student-athletes to feeder schools where they welcome arriving students and help set a positive, motivated tone for the day.
The program's goals are clear: improve student attendance, build positive school culture, and inspire elementary students by showing them the opportunities that await them as they progress through Aberdeen's feeder pattern.
This year's tradition took on special meaning during the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, when Aberdeen High School's Athletes in Action visited Bakerfield Elementary School for a "Meet, Greet, and Read" event. Aberdeen High School student-athletes spent the morning greeting students at arrival, sharing stories, reading with classrooms, and serving as positive role models for the younger Eagles.
The partnership continued when Bakerfield Elementary visited the Aberdeen High School campus for this year's Turkey Trot. The active, fun event brought both schools together for celebration and community building. During the festivities, Bakerfield Elementary students participated in their beloved tradition of pieing their principal. Aberdeen High School athletes joined in the fun by pieing AHS Basketball Head Coaches, creating moments of laughter and connection that spanned all grade levels.
"We are incredibly proud of our athletes and the leadership they show both on and off the field," said Principal E. Harris. "These visits are more than just events—they're opportunities to build lasting relationships, strengthen our feeder pattern, and remind younger students that they have a community cheering them on as they grow."
Aberdeen High School looks forward to continuing this partnership and expanding opportunities that bring schools together, promote positivity, and celebrate the spirit of community.