Heap Goes Back to School
Fifth grader Travis Justice was definitely the most popular kid at Elkridge Elementary Tuesday (11/10). Not only did he arrive to school in a limo, but he also brought his new friend, Ravens tight end **Todd Heap**. Justice was one of 34 lucky kids nationwide that won an opportunity to host the best "show-and-tell" their school has ever seen as part of the NFL's annual Take a Player to School program.
Normally a visit to the principal's office can be a little scary, but not when you have the 6'5 Arizona State product at your side. Heap and Travis met with the principal before kicking off a school- wide assembly. Travis got a small taste of what it feels like to be on the field at M&T Bank Stadium with over 800 of his classmates screaming his name as he brought Heap on the stage.
Heap spoke to the purple and black crowd about Play 60, highlighting the importance of staying active and eating healthy before taking questions from the crowd. The audience was eager to drill the TE about all things football related. One student appeared concerned about Heap's cleanliness when she asked how many grass stains he got on his pants. Heap took the question in stride telling the group that at home, the Ravens play on turf so that usually isn't a problem. But, when they are away, the players do get a bit dirty. Thankfully, there is a whole team that works to keep the Ravens looking tip-top in their uniforms.
After the Q&A, Heap led Travis and his peers through the "ultimate gym class." Participants worked on their football acumen, including footwork and passing drills. The group showed off their knowledge in a pick-up game of flag football in which the NFL player served as a player for both teams. This was definitely not just another day at Elkridge Elementary – Travis and his 800 classmates would surely agree.
More Than Just a Jacket
It's November and that means that the winter chill is around the corner. To spread some warmth in Baltimore, the Ravens organization collected coats to help those that are unable to purchase their own. On Tuesday, seven Ravens helped to distribute the jackets and meet with the recipients at the Helping Up Mission.
Wide receiver **Mark Clayton**, quarterback **Joe Flacco**, cornerback **K.J. Gerard**, running back **Matt Lawrence**, running back **Willis McGahee**, tackle **Joe Reitz**, running back **Ray Rice**, linebacker **William VanDeSteeg** and members of the Lady Ravens Association were all on hand to help out.
Everyone in attendance received a hot meal, had an opportunity to meet with the players and walked away with a new coat. It's Tuesdays like this that do more than warm the heart, they improve the quality of life for over 150 men in our community.
Led by Ray Rice, Ravens players will re-visit the mission in two weeks to serve Thanksgiving dinner.
One of Maryland's Own
Maryland welcomed back a native son when cornerback **Domonique Foxworth** joined the Baltimore Ravens this season. Foxworth is giving back to his hometown launching Baltimore BORN (Boys Opportunity and Resource Network), a mentoring program for middle school and high school aged boys from Baltimore.
Tuesday evening Foxworth met with the young men he invited to participate in the inaugural year of his program. The Maryland alum explained his expectations to the participants and outlined the program. The group will meet weekly and focus on topics such as current events, nutrition and culture.
With a mission to provide boys the support and services necessary to succeed, flourish and become the men they want and deserve to be, it is clear that Foxworth is dedicated to improving our community.
